escritura
/eskɾiˈtuɾa/
The English word 'scripture' is translated into Spanish as escritura.
escritura is used to refer to religious texts. For a more formal way to describe a broad range of holy texts, you can use the phrase Escritura sagrada. If you are specifically referring to the Christian Bible in a formal context, use Biblia.
Meaning: religious text (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word escritura is derived from the verb escribir (to write) and literally refers to 'writing' or 'the act of writing'.
Which one should you use?
While escritura can mean any form of writing, when you are referring specifically to the Bible or sacred texts in a religious context, it is very common to use the plural form las Escrituras.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskɾiˈtuɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse escritura (writing/scripture) with escritorio, which means 'desk'.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you refer to la escritura in a legal or administrative context, you are talking about a 'deed' or a formal public document rather than a religious text.
- In a Spanish classroom, if a teacher comments on your escritura, they are likely praising or criticizing your 'penmanship' rather than your religious beliefs.
- While las Escrituras usually refers to the Bible, the singular escritura is used by linguists to describe a 'writing system' such as the one used for Chinese characters.
Examples in context
- El Corán es la escritura sagrada de los musulmanes.The Quran is the holy scripture of Muslims.This sentence shows how to use escritura when identifying the holy text of a specific religion.Tatoeba #12029093 by Amastan, translation #9959410 by Amastan
- En mi clase de teología, estudiamos la Escritura sagrada de diferentes religiones.In my theology class, we study the sacred scriptures of different religions.
- Mi abuela lee las escrituras todos los días.My grandmother reads scripture every day.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are visiting a library.
- ElenaMira este libro antiguo de la escritura.Look at this ancient book of the scripture.
- DanielParece muy viejo, Daniel lo quiere leer.It looks very old, Daniel wants to read it.
- ElenaLa escritura tiene un lenguaje muy formal.The scripture has a very formal language.
- DanielEs normal en los textos religiosos, Elena.It is normal in religious texts, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry escritura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
