Verb · A1 · Spanish glossary
Leer: to read
leer
Pronunciation: leh-EHR (stress the capital letters)
Leer means “to read” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: to read
- How to say it: leh-EHR
- Present: yo leo, tú lees
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “leer” means and how to use it
Leer means “to read” a book, a message, a sign, or a menu.
How to conjugate “leer”
| Who | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| yo | leo | I |
| tú | lees | you (informal) |
| él, ella, usted | lee | he, she, you (formal) |
| nosotros | leemos | we |
| ellos, ustedes | leen | they, you all |
| Past (preterite) | yo leí, él leyó | I / he or she |
| Past participle | leído | used with haber |
Examples with audio
- Leo un libro cada mes.I read a book each month.
- ¿Puedes leer esto en voz alta?Can you read this out loud?
- Mis hijos leen antes de dormir.My children read before sleeping.
Usage tip
In the past tense the third person changes the vowel to a “y”: leyó (he read), leyeron (they read).
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “to read” in Spanish?
“to read” in Spanish is “leer.” It is pronounced leh-EHR, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “leer”?
Say leh-EHR. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
What is the past tense of “leer”?
In the preterite, “yo” is “leí” and “él” is “leyó.” The past participle is “leído.”
Practice “leer” for free
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