Signification
To be easy to understand or read, with nothing hidden.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, being an 'open book' is often associated with being 'sincero' and 'directo', which are highly valued in social interactions. In Mexico, the phrase is used similarly, but often carries a nuance of being 'confiable' (trustworthy) in close-knit family structures. Argentines often use this to describe someone who is 'transparente' in their emotional life, especially in romantic contexts.
Gender agreement
Remember that 'libro' is masculine, so it is always 'un libro abierto', even if you are talking about a woman.
Use it to build trust
Use this phrase when you want to show someone that you are trustworthy and honest.
Signification
To be easy to understand or read, with nothing hidden.
Gender agreement
Remember that 'libro' is masculine, so it is always 'un libro abierto', even if you are talking about a woman.
Use it to build trust
Use this phrase when you want to show someone that you are trustworthy and honest.
Positive connotation
In Spanish-speaking cultures, this is almost always a compliment.
Teste-toi
Complete the phrase.
Él es como un libro ________.
The idiom is 'ser como un libro abierto'.
What does this phrase mean?
If someone is like an open book, they are...
It refers to honesty and lack of secrets.
Choose the best response.
A: ¿Por qué confías tanto en él? B: ________.
Transparency builds trust.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You want to say someone has no secrets.
This is the correct idiom for transparency.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesÉl es como un libro ________.
The idiom is 'ser como un libro abierto'.
If someone is like an open book, they are...
It refers to honesty and lack of secrets.
A: ¿Por qué confías tanto en él? B: ________.
Transparency builds trust.
You want to say someone has no secrets.
This is the correct idiom for transparency.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes! You say 'Ella es como un libro abierto'. The gender of 'libro' does not change.
No, it is a compliment about someone's honesty.
Yes, both 'soy como un libro abierto' and 'soy un libro abierto' are correct.
The opposite is 'ser un libro cerrado' (to be a closed book).
Yes, it is used to describe transparent communication.
No, it just means they are transparent.
Yes, it is fine in semi-formal emails.
Yes, it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Expressions liées
Ir con la verdad por delante
similarTo be honest
No tener pelos en la lengua
similarTo speak one's mind
Ser transparente
synonymTo be transparent
