libertad
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “libertad” mean in English?
1.freedom, liberty
freedom, liberty (the condition of being free from coercion or constraint, especially as a political or social value)
2.liberty, freedom — the state of being free within a society; a specific right
liberty, freedom — the state of being free within a society; a specific right (libertad de expresión; en libertad)
Example sentences
La libertad de expresión es un derecho fundamental, pero su ejercicio conlleva responsabilidades frente a los demás y a la comunidad.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but exercising it carries responsibilities towards others and towards the community.
La tensión entre la libertad individual y el bienestar colectivo es uno de los debates más persistentes de la teoría política.
The tension between individual freedom and collective wellbeing is one of the most enduring debates in political theory.
How to use it
La libertad means 'freedom' or 'liberty' — the capacity to act, think, or choose without external constraint. At B2 it operates across philosophical, legal, political, and everyday registers. Key compound collocations: la libertad de expresión (freedom of speech), la libertad de prensa (freedom of the press), la libertad de movimiento (freedom of movement), la libertad individual, tomar la libertad de (to take the liberty of). Important: in Spanish, libertad tends to carry a stronger rights-and-dignity charge than 'freedom' in casual English usage. La libertad condicional is a fixed legal phrase meaning 'parole'.
Common mistake
Libertad (the abstract value — philosophical and rights register) vs free in compound adjectives like 'free time' (tiempo libre), 'free entry' (entrada libre). Don't translate 'you are free to go' as *'tienes libertad de ir' — use 'puedes irte' or 'eres libre de ir'. La libertad condicional (parole) is a fixed legal phrase.