texto
/ˈteɡsto/
The English verb 'to text' in Spanish using the noun texto.
The word texto is a noun that can refer to a book, a tome or other set of writings. It can also refer to a brief written message transmitted between mobile phones. While texto can refer to a message, the most common and natural way to say 'a text message' is un mensaje de texto.
Meaning: to send a text message to (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, mensajear is a verb meaning to text.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈteɡsto/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 'texto' as a verb, but in Spanish, texto is a noun and you must use a verb like mandar or enviar with it.
Did you know?
- The word texto shares a common ancestor with the English word 'textile'. Both words stem from the Latin concept of 'weaving' something together.
- In some regions, people use the phrase mandar un WhatsApp instead of mandar un texto because the app is so dominant it has replaced the generic term.
- When using the phrase mandar un mensaje, the verb mandar can also mean 'to command' or 'to order', making the phrase technically 'to command a message' in a literal sense.
Examples in context
- El texto es ilegible.The text is illegible.This sentence is useful for describing the legibility of a texto.Tatoeba #7551085 by arh, translation #7782709 by shekitten
- ¿Quién redactó ese texto?Who wrote that text?This sentence is useful for asking who wrote a texto.Tatoeba #8977215 by arh, translation #9189012 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Puede leerme este texto?Can you read this text for me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to read a texto.Tatoeba #10201355 by Seael, translation #10201346 by shekitten
- Envié un mensaje de texto a mi jefeI sent a text message to my boss
- Le envié un mensajeI sent him/her a text
- Te WhatsAppéI WhatsApped you
- Envié un mensaje de textoI sent a text message
- Él me envió un mensaje de textoHe sent me a text message
- ¿Recibiste mi mensaje?Did you receive my message?
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are planning to meet for lunch.
- DanielTe texto cuando salga de la oficina.I'll text you when I leave the office.
- SofíaPerfecto, yo te espero en el restaurante.Perfect, I'll wait for you at the restaurant.
- Daniel¿Me texto la dirección exacta, Sofía?Will you text me the exact address, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, te lo envío ahora mismo.Yes, I'll send it to you right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry texto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries texto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
