letra cursiva
/letɾa kuɾsiba/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "cursive" (joined-up handwriting) is translated into Spanish as letra cursiva. Wiktionary also lists letra corrida.
Meaning: joined-up handwriting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| letra cursiva | /letɾa kuɾsiba/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| letra corrida | /letɾa korida/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
You can use the noun phrases to name the handwriting itself, or use the related adjective forms en cursiva, cursiva or corrida to describe something as being written in that style.
Which one should you use?
While letra cursiva is a standard way to name this style, letra corrida is a common alternative that emphasizes the continuous motion of the pen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, you can use escritura cursiva or letra ligada. In more informal or colloquial settings, letra corrida is a very common choice.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because letra is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article la when referring to it, such as in la letra cursiva.
How do you pronounce it?
/letɾa kuɾsiba/
Did you know?
- The word cursiva is also used in Spanish to describe 'italics', meaning that any text leaning to the right is referred to by the same term as joined-up handwriting.
- The term letra corrida shares the same root as the word corrida used for a bullfight, as both describe a 'run' or a sequence of events.
- The word letra descends from the Latin littera, which originally comes from the Ancient Greek word diphthéra, meaning a 'tablet' made of leather.
Examples in context
- El profesor de español les pidió a los estudiantes que escribieran sus nombres en caligrafía cursiva.The Spanish teacher asked the students to write their names in cursive calligraphy.
- Mi abuela tiene una preciosa tarjeta de cumpleaños escrita en escritura cursiva.My grandmother has a beautiful birthday card written in cursive writing.
- Recuerdo cuando aprendí a escribir en letra ligada en la escuela.I remember when I learned to write in cursive at school.
- En mi opinión, la letra corrida es más fácil de leer que la letra de imprenta.In my opinion, cursive is easier to read than print.
- No entiendo tu letra cursiva.I can't understand your cursive handwriting.
- La letra cursiva es muy elegante.Cursive handwriting is very elegant.
- Debes practicar la letra cursiva.You should practice cursive handwriting.
Example conversation
Elena is looking at a handwritten letter.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿está esto escrito en letra cursiva?Daniel, is this written in cursive?
- DanielSí, es la letra de mi abuela.Yes, it is my grandmother's handwriting.
- ElenaEs muy difícil de leer.It is very difficult to read.
- DanielTienes razón, es un poco confusa.You are right, it is a bit confusing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cursive” translations and entries letra cursiva, 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 corrida, letra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
