Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caligrafía | /kaliɡɾaˈfia/ | feminine |
| letra | /ˈletɾa/ | feminine |
Spanish uses different terms depending on whether you are talking about a person's everyday script or the art of writing. You can use letra to refer to the specific handwriting of an individual, such as whether it is legible or messy. To express that someone has bad handwriting, Spanish speakers use the phrase tener mala letra (to have bad handwriting).
What does it mean word for word?
The word letra literally means letter (as in a character of the alphabet), but it is used metonymically to refer to a person's handwriting.
Which one should you use?
Letra is used for a person's everyday handwriting. In contrast, caligrafía refers more specifically to the art of beautiful writing or the formal study of penmanship, similar to the English word calligraphy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both letra and caligrafía are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaliɡɾaˈfia/
Did you know?
- The word letra can also be used to refer to the lyrics of a song. If you want to sing along to a melody, you would need to look up the letra.
- In a legal or financial context, the word letra refers to a bill of exchange or a promissory note rather than a character of the alphabet.
- The word letra originates from the Ancient Greek word diphthéra, which referred to a writing tablet made of leather.
Examples in context
- Es la letra de Tom.It's Tom's handwriting.This sentence is useful for identifying whose letra it is.Tatoeba #2625288 by Shishir, translation #2235829 by CK
- Tiene muy mala letra.He has very bad handwriting.This sentence shows how to use the phrase mala letra to describe someone's handwriting.Tatoeba #1063006 by Shishir, translation #2707767 by Dejo
- Tu letra es muy buena.Your handwriting is very good.This sentence illustrates how to compliment someone's letra.Tatoeba #2571587 by marcelostockle, translation #2571521 by sharptoothed
- La caligrafía de la carta fue impresionante.The handwriting in the letter was amazing.
- Estudié caligrafía durante mi adolescencia.I studied handwriting during my teenage years.
- Me encanta tu letra, es muy legible.I love your handwriting, it's very clear.
- ¿Cuál es la opinión de tu profesor sobre tu letra?What does your teacher think about your handwriting?
- Su escritura es muy elegante, sin duda escribe con gracia.Her handwriting is very elegant, she certainly writes with grace.
- Me siento más cómodo con la escritura a mano que con la escritura digital.I feel more comfortable with handwriting than digital writing.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena shows her notebook to Javier.
- Javier¿Qué te parece mi caligrafía?What do you think of my handwriting?
- ElenaEs hermosa, Javier.It is beautiful, Javier.
- JavierGracias, me esfuerzo mucho.Thanks, I try very hard.
- ElenaSe nota que practicas.It shows that you practice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handwriting” translations and entries caligrafía, letra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caligrafía, letra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
