carta
/ˈkaɾta/feminine
In Spanish, the English phrase "letter" (referring to a written message) is translated as carta.
carta is used to describe a written message sent to someone.
Meaning: written message (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between carta and letra. Use carta for a written message, whereas letra refers to a character of the alphabet or handwriting.
How does it change in a sentence?
carta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɾta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use letra when they mean a written message. Note that letra only refers to the letters of the alphabet or the lyrics of a song.
Did you know?
- The word carta can also refer to a 'menu' in certain dining contexts, specifically in phrases like 'la carta'.
- In card games, carta refers to an individual playing card, such as when you ask a player to 'play a card'.
- The term carta blanca is used in Spanish to mean 'carte blanche' or having full authority to act as one wishes.
Examples in context
- Le leí la carta.I read the letter to him.This sentence shows how to use carta when reading a message to someone.Tatoeba #1671991 by hayastan, translation #285160 by CK
- Leí tu carta ayer.I read your letter yesterday.This sentence demonstrates using carta to indicate when a message was read.Tatoeba #1641905 by marcelostockle, translation #252849 by CK
- He leído una carta.I read a letter.This sentence shows how to use carta when mentioning that a message has been read.Tatoeba #2011091 by Shishir, translation #2011083 by Eldad
- La carta que recibí de mi abuela era muy emotiva.The letter I received from my grandmother was very emotional.
- El embajador envió una misiva al presidente.The ambassador sent a letter to the president.
- Las epístolas de San Pablo son fundamentales en el cristianismo.Saint Paul's epistles are fundamental in Christianity.
- Mi hermano me escribió una cartita para pedirme disculpas.My brother wrote me a little letter to apologize.
- 651 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María is showing Daniel a piece of mail she received.
- MaríaMira, recibí una carta de mi abuela.Look, I received a letter from my grandmother.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! ¿Es una carta larga?That's great! Is it a long letter?
- MaríaSí, es una carta muy detallada.Yes, it is a very detailed letter.
- DanielMe alegra que tengas esa carta.I'm glad you have that letter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “letter” translations and entries carta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
