caligrafía
/kaliɡɾaˈfia/feminine
The English word calligraphy is translated into Spanish as caligrafía. Wiktionary also lists calografía.
Meaning: art of writing beautifully (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caligrafía | /kaliɡɾaˈfia/ | feminine |
| calografía | /kaloɡɾafia/ (from spelling rules) | dated, feminine |
The term refers to the art of writing beautifully.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la caligrafía).
How do you pronounce it?
/kaliɡɾaˈfia/
Did you know?
- Spanish calligraphy has been deeply influenced by visigothic script, a style used in the Iberian Peninsula during the early Middle Ages that differed from the Roman styles used elsewhere in Europe.
- The term caligrafía is closely linked to the concept of buena letra, a traditional Spanish virtue where neat handwriting was once seen as a sign of good character.
- A person with exceptionally beautiful caligrafía might be described as having letra de molde, referring to writing so precise it looks like printed type.
Examples in context
- Aprender caligrafía es divertido.Learning calligraphy is fun.This sentence shows that learning caligrafía is an enjoyable activity.Tatoeba #2182478 by marcelostockle, translation #267148 by CK
- -Últimamente no estoy haciendo caligrafía. -¿Ah, sí? Pues, si continúas sin hacerla, tu mano perderá habilidad."I haven't done any calligraphy recently." "Oh, really? Well, if you keep putting it off, you'll lose your touch."This dialogue demonstrates how to discuss practicing or neglecting caligrafía.Tatoeba #9019148 by arh, translation #9329835 by DJ_Saidez
- La cultura islámica nos dio majestuosos arcos y altos capiteles, intemporal poesía y preciada música, elegante caligrafía y pacíficos lugares de contemplación.Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires, timeless poetry and cherished music, elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation.This sentence uses caligrafía to describe an element of Islamic culture.Tatoeba #1412559 by hayastan, translation #376893 by saeb
- La caligrafía china es conocida por su elegancia y delicadeza.Chinese calligraphy is known for its elegance and delicacy.
- Admiro la escritura decorativa en los letreros y carteles antiguos.I admire decorative writing on old signs and posters.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are at an art supply store.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿crees que esta pluma es buena para la caligrafía?Daniel, do you think this pen is good for calligraphy?
- DanielSí, Lucía, parece perfecta para tu nueva práctica.Yes, Lucía, it looks perfect for your new practice.
- LucíaEspero que mi caligrafía mejore con este instrumento.I hope my calligraphy improves with this instrument.
- DanielSeguro que sí, eres muy talentosa.I'm sure you will, you are very talented.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calligraphy” translations and entries caligrafía, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
