Spanish Phrase
Sí, leí un libro.
Meaning
The sentence means “Yes, I read a book.” The preterite leí tells the listener that the reading is finished and happened at a specific moment in the past.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks if you have read a particular book, or when you want to confirm that you have completed reading something. It works in informal and semi‑formal conversations alike.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Síleíunlibro
Sí (affirmation)
The word Sí with an accent means “yes”. It is used to give a positive answer.
leí (preterite of leer)
Leí is the first‑person singular preterite of leer ‘to read’. It expresses a completed action in the past.
un (indefinite article)
Un is the masculine singular indefinite article, equivalent to “a” or “an”. It agrees with the masculine noun libro.
libro (noun)
Libro means “book”. It is a masculine, singular noun, so it takes the article un.
🗨In Conversation
¿Has leído el libro que te recomendé?
Did you read the book I recommended?
Sí, leí un libro.
Yes, I read a book.
✕Common Mistakes
Si, leí un libro.
Missing the accent changes the meaning to the conjunction “if”.
Sí, leíste un libro.
Leíste is second‑person singular; the sentence is about the speaker, so it must be leí.
Sí, leí una libro.
Libro is masculine; the correct article is un, not una.
↔Alternatives
Sí, he leído un libro.
Yes, I have read a book.
Claro, leí un libro.
Sure, I read a book.
Por supuesto, leí un libro.
Of course, I read a book.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, reading is often discussed in the context of "club de lectura" (book club) or "tarde de lectura" (reading afternoon). When you say you read a book, you might be invited to share your opinion, so be ready to give a short review. Also, note that the preterite leí is more common in Spain, while some Latin American speakers may prefer the present perfect he leído in casual conversation.