Bedeutung
Stating that you have no commitments and are available.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Spain, 'estar libre' is often used when a waiter is ready to take your order or when a taxi is available. You will see a green light on taxis with the word 'LIBRE'. Mexicans might use 'tener chance' or 'estar desocupado' as informal alternatives to 'estoy libre'. 'Libre' is perfectly understood but can sound slightly more formal in very casual settings. In Argentina, 'estar al cuete' is a slang way to say you are free but in a 'doing nothing/wasting time' kind of way. 'Estoy libre' remains the standard for making plans. Colombians are known for their politeness. They might say 'Si de pronto está libre...' (If by chance you are free...) to make a request sound less demanding.
The Taxi Trick
If you see a taxi in Spain, look for the green light. It says 'LIBRE'. This is a great real-world reminder of the phrase.
The 'Gratis' Trap
Never tell a shopkeeper '¿Es libre?' when asking if something is free of charge. They will think you're asking if the item is 'available' for purchase, not if it's free.
Bedeutung
Stating that you have no commitments and are available.
The Taxi Trick
If you see a taxi in Spain, look for the green light. It says 'LIBRE'. This is a great real-world reminder of the phrase.
The 'Gratis' Trap
Never tell a shopkeeper '¿Es libre?' when asking if something is free of charge. They will think you're asking if the item is 'available' for purchase, not if it's free.
Subjunctive Alert
When asking someone to call you when they are free, always use 'estés' (subjunctive): 'Llámame cuando estés libre.'
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct verb for: 'I am free this afternoon.'
______ libre esta tarde.
We use 'estar' for temporary states like being free.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'libre'.
Mis hermanos no ______ ______ hoy.
The verb must be plural (están) and the adjective must be plural (libres).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to know if a chair is taken.
We use 'estar libre' to ask if an object like a chair or a taxi is available.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ir al cine? B: Sí, ______ ______ toda la tarde.
B is confirming their availability.
Match the Spanish to the English.
1. Estoy libre. 2. Es gratis. 3. Soy libre.
This tests the three most confused concepts.
🎉 Ergebnis: /5
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Libre vs. Gratis
Aufgabensammlung
5 Aufgaben______ libre esta tarde.
We use 'estar' for temporary states like being free.
Mis hermanos no ______ ______ hoy.
The verb must be plural (están) and the adjective must be plural (libres).
You want to know if a chair is taken.
We use 'estar libre' to ask if an object like a chair or a taxi is available.
A: ¿Quieres ir al cine? B: Sí, ______ ______ toda la tarde.
B is confirming their availability.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
This tests the three most confused concepts.
🎉 Ergebnis: /5
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but usually with a day: 'Tengo libre el lunes' (I have Monday off). It implies a day off from work.
It's both! Adjectives ending in -e don't change for gender in Spanish.
You can say 'Estoy libre,' but 'Estoy soltero' (I'm single) or 'No tengo compromiso' (I have no commitment) is clearer.
The most common opposite is 'estoy ocupado' (I'm busy).
Yes! If the door is unlocked, it is 'libre'. If someone is inside, it is 'ocupado'.
Not at all. It's very neutral and helpful.
'Suelto' means loose or untied (like a dog off a leash or loose change). 'Libre' is more about the state of freedom.
Yes, that means 'I am free of guilt.' It's a more formal, specific use.
Yes, it sounds slightly more professional, but 'estoy libre' is perfectly fine too.
Use the future tense: 'Estaré libre'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
tener tiempo
synonymTo have time.
estar disponible
similarTo be available.
estar ocupado
contrastTo be busy.
tiempo libre
builds onFree time.
vía libre
specialized formGreen light / Clear path.
