escribes
/eskɾibes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you write" is translated into Spanish as escribes.
The term escribes is a conjugated form of the infinitive escribir (to write). It is used to describe the action of writing in the present tense.
Which one should you use?
The form escribes is used when addressing a single person informally, such as a friend or peer. In contrast, the form escribe is the correct choice when using the formal usted to say "you write." If you are addressing more than one person (you all), the form changes to escriben.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the form Vos escribís is used instead of escribes in informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
escribes is the second person singular informal present tense form. The root of this conjugation is the infinitive escribir. To express the plural "you all write," use the form escriben.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskɾibes/
Did you know?
- The verb escribir is a direct relative of the English word 'scribe'. Both originate from the Latin scribere, which means 'to scratch' or 'to carve'.
- The act of 'writing' is so central to legal authority in Spanish that a physical document proving you own a house is called an escritura, the same word used for the act of writing itself.
- Spanish speakers often use escribir to mean 'to text' or 'to send a digital message'. If someone says te escribo, they are likely referring to a WhatsApp message rather than a handwritten letter.
Examples in context
- Yo leo, tú escribes.I read, you write.This sentence shows a simple contrast between reading and writing using escribes.Tatoeba #5016063 by Mavry, translation #1442985 by Balamax
- Tú escribes mejor que yo.You write better than I do.This sentence uses escribes to compare writing abilities.Tatoeba #2463854 by marcelostockle, translation #2459197 by Zaghawa
- ¿Por qué no nos escribes?Why don't you write to us?This sentence uses escribes to ask a question about writing to a group.Tatoeba #11838579 by Seael, translation #11181536 by CK
- Usted escribe muy bienYou write very well
- Usted está escribiendo una cartaYou are writing a letter
- Tú escribes con mucha creatividadYou write with a lot of creativity
- Tú estás escribiendo un poemaYou are writing a poem
- Usted escribe con gran sutilezaYou write with great subtlety
- Tú estás escribiendo un mensaje importanteYou are writing an important message
- Vos escribís poesía como nadie másYou write poetry like no one else
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about a class assignment.
- María¿Escribes el ensayo hoy, Daniel?Are you writing the essay today, Daniel?
- DanielSí, lo termino esta noche.Yes, I'll finish it tonight.
- MaríaTú escribes muy rápido siempre.You always write very fast.
- DanielGracias, María, voy a empezar ya.Thanks, María, I'm going to start now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
