livreto

Livreto is a Portuguese term for a small publication, typically a booklet or pamphlet that presents information on a single topic, a product, an event, or a particular viewpoint. It is shorter and less formal than a book, designed for easy distribution and quick reading. The word comes from livro, meaning “book,” with the diminutive suffix -eto, signaling something small.

Livretos are used in a variety of contexts. They may carry educational material such as summaries of courses, religious tracts, political or civic leaflets, program guides for cultural events, or product handouts. They are often printed in a compact format, sometimes in multiple pages, and may lack a formal ISBN, especially in older or informal editions. Modern livretos can be distributed as printed sheets, stapled booklets, or digital PDFs.

Historically, pamphlets and short booklets played a role in disseminating ideas quickly and cheaply, complementing longer publications. In contemporary publishing, the term continues to describe inexpensive, focused publications intended for broad or targeted audiences. Regions differ in usage; some contexts use libretto or libretto for the text of a drama or opera, while livreto primarily denotes a shorter publication.

See also: pamphlet, booklet, brochure, leaflet.