leer

Senses

1. 1.

   to read

   to look at and understand written words or text

2. 2.

   to read (mind/situation)

   to interpret or understand someone's intentions, feelings, or a situation

Examples

• "Me encanta leer novelas en la playa."

  I love reading novels on the beach.

• "Pude leer la preocupación en su cara."

  I could read the worry on his face.

• "¿Qué estás leyendo?"

  What are you reading?

Usage

Common and everyday verb. The present participle is *leyendo* (not *leiendo*) due to the y-glide. Figurative use (to read someone's mind/emotions) is very natural in Spanish, as in English.