está escrito
/esta eskɾito/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'it is written' is translated into Spanish as está escrito.
The phrase can be used literally to refer to text that exists, but it is frequently used idiomatically to express that something is predestined or part of a divine plan.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb estar (to be in a state) and the past participle escrito (written).
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle escrito must agree in gender with the noun it refers to. Use está escrita if the subject is a feminine noun like la sentencia. The phrase changes to están escritos when referring to multiple masculine or mixed-gender objects.
Did you know?
- The word escrito shares a common ancestor with the English word 'scribe' and the word 'scribble'. Both come from the Latin root for scratching or carving into a surface.
- While está escrito refers to fate, the related expression está escrito en la piedra is used to describe a rule or law that is absolutely unchangeable.
- When referring to fate, está escrito often evokes the concept of el destino, a powerful force in Hispanic literature and drama that cannot be avoided.
Examples in context
- Está escrito en su cara.It is written in his face.This sentence shows how to use está escrito to describe something visible on a person's face.Tatoeba #1545417 by marcelostockle, translation #1545134 by sysko
- En el libro que estamos leyendo para nuestra clase de literatura, está escrito que el amor lo vence todo.In the book we are reading for our literature class, it is written that love conquers all.
- El documento que debe presentar está claramente etiquetado. Está escrito justo en la parte superior.The document you need to submit is clearly labeled. It is written right at the top.
- No te preocupes, si es para ti, está escrito.Don't worry, if it is meant for you, it is written.
- No podemos cambiar el destino, así está escrito.We cannot change fate, it is written so.
Example conversation
Two friends discussing a sudden change in their lives.
- Sofía¿Crees que nuestro encuentro fue una casualidad?Do you think our encounter was a coincidence?
- JavierNo, creo que está escrito en las estrellas.No, I believe it is written in the stars.
- SofíaTienes razón, Javier, el destino es increíble.You are right, Javier, fate is incredible.
- JavierAsí es, Sofía, todo sucede por una razón.That's right, Sofía, everything happens for a reason.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escrito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
