escribir cartas
/eskɾibiɾ kaɾtas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'write letters' is translated into Spanish as escribir cartas.
For example, you can use Me pongo en contacto contigo para to say 'I am reaching out to you to…' or Espero que esta carta te encuentre bien to say 'I hope this letter finds you well…'.
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, escribir cartas refers specifically to correspondence. This is different from escribir letras, which refers to the act of writing individual letters of the alphabet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb escribir remains in its infinitive form when it is used as a subject or follows another verb, such as gustar or preferir.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskɾibiɾ kaɾtas/
When do people say it?
For formal letters, you can use Atentamente (Sincerely,), Cordialmente (Cordially,), or Saludos cordiales (Warm regards,). For informal letters, you might use Un abrazo (Hugs,), Cariños (Love,), or Nos vemos pronto (See you soon,).
Did you know?
- While cartas means 'letters', it also means 'playing cards' in Spanish. If you ask someone to escribir cartas during a game, they might think you are talking about recording the score.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the term carta can also refer to a menu in a restaurant, not just a written letter.
- When writing an informal letter, Spanish speakers often use Besos (Kisses) as a closing. This is common between friends and family, regardless of whether they are romantic partners.
Examples in context
- Me gusta escribir cartas.I like to write letters.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference involving escribir cartas.Tatoeba #13704608 by ecorralest101, translation #13704606 by Babelball
- Todavía prefiero escribir cartas a mano.I still prefer to write letters by hand.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for writing escribir cartas by hand.Tatoeba #1944127 by marcelostockle, translation #1798891 by Amastan
- Dado que te gusta escribir cartas, ¿por qué no le escribes una línea?Since you like to write letters, why don't you drop her a line?This sentence is useful for suggesting that someone use escribir cartas to contact a person.Tatoeba #10186660 by manufrutos, translation #16009 by Swift
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- Sofía¿Te gusta escribir cartas?Do you like to write letters?
- JavierSí, me encanta escribir cartas.Yes, I love to write letters.
- SofíaEs un pasatiempo muy romántico.It is a very romantic hobby.
- JavierGracias, Sofía, es muy especial.Thanks, Sofía, it is very special.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
