cartas
/kaɾtas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word cartas means letters (written messages sent by mail).
cartas refers to written messages sent to someone via mail. Depending on the context, it can also refer to playing cards.
Which one should you use?
While cartas usually means letters, it can also mean playing cards depending on the context of your conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is carta. To say 'a letter', use the feminine singular article with the singular form: una carta.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾtas/
Did you know?
- If you are looking at a menu in a restaurant, you might see 'la carta', which refers to the list of dishes available.
- The phrase tirar las cartas means to tell someone's fortune using tarot cards rather than simply throwing them away.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a 'carta de navegación' is a nautical chart used for sea travel rather than a written message.
Examples in context
- La correspondencia de la semana pasada incluía varias cartas importantes.Last week's correspondence included several important letters.
- Me hace feliz recibir cartitas de amor de mi pareja.It makes me happy to receive love letters from my partner.
- Ayer encontré unas cartitas de cuando éramos niños.Yesterday, I found some little letters from when we were kids.
- Recibí muchas cartas ayer.I received many letters yesterday.
- Escribe cartas a tus abuelos.Write letters to your grandparents.
- Guardo todas mis cartas viejas.I keep all my old letters.
Example conversation
Javier and María are sitting at a kitchen table looking at mail.
- Javier¿Tienes cartas para mí, María?Do you have letters for me, María?
- MaríaSí, hay dos cartas en el sobre.Yes, there are two letters in the envelope.
- JavierGracias por revisar mis cartas.Thanks for checking my letters.
- MaríaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
