el capitulo
El capitulo (correct spelling: el capitulo) means a chapter of a book. Use it when talking about parts of a novel, textbook, or audiobook.
Common Phrases
- el primer capitulo — the first chapter
- el ultimo capitulo — the last chapter
Example
El capitulo dos es mas corto.
Chapter two is shorter.
Common Mistake
Accent marks: write capitulo, not capitulo.
el prestamo
El prestamo (correct spelling: el prestamo) is a loan, especially the period you borrow a library item. It can also mean a loan in finance, but in a library it is about borrowing time.
Common Phrases
- el prestamo de dos semanas — the two-week loan
- renovar el prestamo — to renew the loan
Example
El prestamo es de catorce dias.
The loan is for fourteen days.
Common Mistake
Spelling and accent: prestamo is correct, not prestamo.
el carnet
El carnet means an ID card, and in a library context it is your library card. It is the card you show to borrow items or access services.
Common Phrases
- el carnet de la biblioteca — the library card
- sacar el carnet — to get the card (to sign up for it)
Example
Tengo el carnet de la biblioteca.
I have the library card.
Common Mistake
Article agreement: say el carnet, not la carnet.
el estante
El estante means a shelf, usually a shelf that holds books or items. In a library, it is where you find and return materials.
Common Phrases
- el estante de arriba — the top shelf
- un estante de libros — a bookshelf (a shelf of books)
Example
El libro esta en el estante.
The book is on the shelf.
Common Mistake
Preposition choice: use en el estante, not a el estante for location.
la devolucion
La devolucion (correct spelling: la devolucion) means the return of an item, especially returning something you borrowed. In libraries, it is the act of bringing materials back on time.
Common Phrases
- la devolucion de libros — the return of books
- fecha de devolucion — due date (return date)
Example
La devolucion es el lunes.
The return is on Monday.
Common Mistake
Accent marks: write devolucion, not devolucion.
la pagina
La pagina (correct spelling: la pagina) means a page in a book or magazine. It is the unit you turn, mark, or reference when reading.
Common Phrases
- la pagina siguiente — the next page
- numero de pagina — page number
Example
Lee la pagina diez, por favor.
Read page ten, please.
Common Mistake
Accent marks: write pagina, not pagina.
el estudio
El estudio means studying or study (as an activity), and it can also refer to a study room or a studio depending on context. In a library, it commonly points to the activity of studying.
Common Phrases
- tiempo de estudio — study time
- una sala de estudio — a study room
Example
El estudio en la biblioteca es tranquilo.
Studying in the library is calm.
Common Mistake
Meaning confusion: el estudio is studying, not el estudio for a specific school subject.
la sala
La sala means a room or hall, often a designated space for a specific purpose. In a library, it can be a reading room or a study room.
Common Phrases
- la sala de estudio — the study room
- la sala de lectura — the reading room
Example
La sala esta cerca de la entrada.
The room is near the entrance.
Common Mistake
Gender: say la sala, not el sala.