Meaning
The act of reading daily news in print.
Cultural Background
In Spain, sports newspapers like 'Marca' or 'AS' are often more widely read in bars than general news papers. It's common to see people 'leer el periódico' while having a 'caña' (small beer). The term 'diario' is much more common than 'periódico'. Reading the 'Clarín' on Sundays with 'mate' is a deeply ingrained cultural ritual. In Mexico City, 'voceadores' (newsboys/vendors) used to shout the headlines. While less common now, the physical act of buying a paper from a street vendor is still a daily habit for many. Reading 'El Tiempo' or 'El Espectador' is often associated with a morning coffee (tinto). It is a sign of being part of the national conversation.
Use 'El Diario'
If you are in Argentina or Chile, use 'el diario' to sound more like a local.
Don't forget the 'L'
Make sure to pronounce the 'l' in 'el' clearly so it doesn't sound like 'lee periódico'.
Meaning
The act of reading daily news in print.
Use 'El Diario'
If you are in Argentina or Chile, use 'el diario' to sound more like a local.
Don't forget the 'L'
Make sure to pronounce the 'l' in 'el' clearly so it doesn't sound like 'lee periódico'.
The 'Y' Rule
Remember: leí, leíste, LEYÓ, leímos, leísteis, LEYERON. The 'y' appears when the 'i' is between two vowels.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form (Present Tense).
Mi abuelo _______ el periódico en el jardín todos los días.
'Mi abuelo' is third person singular (él), so the verb 'leer' becomes 'lee'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
After 'me gusta', we use the infinitive 'leer', and we must include the article 'el'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct past tense form.
—¿Qué hizo Juan ayer por la mañana? —Él _______ el periódico y luego fue al gimnasio.
The third person singular preterite of 'leer' is 'leyó' (with a 'y').
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Hojear el periódico'
'Hojear' means to leaf through or skim.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi abuelo _______ el periódico en el jardín todos los días.
'Mi abuelo' is third person singular (él), so the verb 'leer' becomes 'lee'.
Select the correct option:
After 'me gusta', we use the infinitive 'leer', and we must include the article 'el'.
—¿Qué hizo Juan ayer por la mañana? —Él _______ el periódico y luego fue al gimnasio.
The third person singular preterite of 'leer' is 'leyó' (with a 'y').
'Hojear el periódico'
'Hojear' means to leaf through or skim.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but that means reading one specific news story. 'Leer el periódico' means reading the whole publication.
No, it now includes digital versions of traditional newspapers.
Because 'periódico' is a masculine noun ending in 'o'.
A 'periódico' is daily and focuses on news; a 'revista' (magazine) is usually weekly/monthly and focuses on specific topics.
You can say 'Estoy hojeando el periódico'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both casual and professional settings.
Yes, though they might be referring to an app on their phone.
It's a collective term for 'the press' or 'the media'.
Yes, if you mean 'a' newspaper (any one), but 'el' is more common for the habit.
It's an extra section (like a magazine) that comes with the Sunday paper.
Related Phrases
Estar al tanto
similarTo be up to date
La prensa rosa
specialized formGossip magazines/tabloids
Hojear
builds onTo leaf through
Suscribirse
relatedTo subscribe
