carta de presentación
/kaɾta de pɾesentaθjon/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "cover letter" is translated into Spanish as carta de presentación.
A carta de presentación refers to a letter used to introduce a document.
Meaning: letter to introduce a document (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of carta (letter), de (of) and presentación (presentation).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because carta is a feminine noun, the definite article used for "the cover letter" must be la rather than el.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾta de pɾesentaθjon/
Did you know?
- While carta means 'letter' in this phrase, it is also the standard word for a 'menu' in a restaurant.
- The word carta shares the same ancient root as the English words 'card' and 'chart', both originating from the Greek word for papyrus.
- In formal Spanish business etiquette, the carta de presentación often follows a very rigid structure with specific formulas for greetings and closings that are more archaic than those used in English.
Examples in context
- Adjunto mi currículum y mi carta de presentación.I am attaching my resume and my cover letter.
- Adjunto mi carta de presentación al currículum.I am attaching my cover letter to the CV.
- La carta de presentación debe ser breve.The cover letter should be brief.
- ¿Me puedes ayudar con la carta de presentación?Can you help me with the cover letter?
Example conversation
María is helping Alejandro prepare a job application.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿qué te parece mi carta de presentación?María, what do you think of my cover letter?
- MaríaEs muy buena, Alejandro.It is very good, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, ¿crees que sea profesional?Thanks, do you think it is professional?
- MaríaSí, es perfecta para el puesto.Yes, it is perfect for the position.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cover letter” translations and entries carta de presentación, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, de, presentación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
