Spanish Phrase
¿Está libre esta línea?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether the particular line (a telephone line, a queue, or a line in a document) is currently free or available for use.
When to use
Use this question when you need to check if a phone line is not in use, if a queue line is open, or if a line in a form is empty before you start filling it out.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Estálibreestalínea?
Estar (está)
Use 'estar' for temporary states or conditions, such as whether something is free or occupied.
Libre
'Libre' means free/available; it pairs with 'estar' to describe a temporary condition.
Demonstrative adjective (esta)
'Esta' points to a specific feminine noun (línea) and must agree in gender and number.
Noun gender (línea)
'Línea' is a feminine noun, so the demonstrative and any adjectives must be feminine.
🗨In Conversation
¿Está libre esta línea?
Is this line free?
Sí, está libre. Puedes marcar.
Yes, it's free. You can dial.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Es libre esta línea?
Use 'estar' (está) for temporary conditions; 'ser' (es) describes permanent traits.
¿Está libres esta línea?
'Libre' does not change with the noun; it stays singular and feminine here.
¿Está libre este línea?
'Línea' is feminine, so the demonstrative must be 'esta', not 'este'.
↔Alternatives
¿Esta línea está disponible?
Is this line available?
¿Se puede usar esta línea?
Can this line be used?
¿Hay alguien en esta línea?
Is anyone on this line?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking call centers and offices, agents ask '¿Está libre la línea?' to verify that the telephone line isn’t already occupied. Remember that 'línea' is feminine, so the demonstrative must be 'esta' and the adjective 'libre' stays unchanged. In some countries, people also use 'línea' to refer to a queue (e.g., 'hacer fila'), so context will tell you which meaning is intended.