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A1 noun #1,000 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

letra

상위 1,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 letra 30초 만에

설명 letra in your Level:

When you begin your journey into learning the Spanish language at the A1 level, one of the very first concepts you will encounter is the alphabet, or 'el abecedario'. The word 'letra' is absolutely fundamental in this context because it translates directly to 'letter' in English, referring to the individual characters that make up words. Understanding how to use 'letra' is essential for basic communication, especially when you need to spell your name, ask how a word is written, or clarify pronunciation. For instance, if someone asks for your name and it is difficult to spell, you might say 'se escribe letra por letra' (it is written letter by letter). At this beginner stage, you will frequently hear teachers instructing you to look at a specific 'letra' on the board or in your textbook. It is important to note that 'letra' is a feminine noun, which means it is always preceded by feminine articles such as 'la' (the) or 'una' (a), and any adjectives describing it must also be in the feminine form, such as 'la letra pequeña' (the small letter) or 'una letra mayúscula' (a capital letter). Furthermore, as an A1 learner, you will start noticing that Spanish pronunciation is highly phonetic, meaning that each 'letra' generally corresponds to a specific sound, unlike English where letters can have multiple unpredictable sounds. This makes learning the 'letras' of the Spanish alphabet a very rewarding experience. You will practice saying 'la letra A', 'la letra B', and so forth. Another common scenario for beginners is filling out forms, where you might see instructions to write in 'letra de molde' (block letters) to ensure your handwriting is legible. Speaking of handwriting, 'letra' also translates to 'handwriting' in English. If you have beautiful handwriting, someone might compliment you by saying 'tienes una letra muy bonita' (you have very beautiful handwriting). Conversely, if your writing is messy, it might be described as 'mala letra' (bad handwriting). Even at the A1 level, you might also discover that 'letra' means the 'lyrics' of a song. Listening to Spanish music is a fantastic way to learn the language, and you might find yourself searching for 'la letra de la canción' (the lyrics of the song) to sing along. Therefore, mastering the word 'letra' opens up multiple avenues for basic expression, from spelling and writing to enjoying music, making it a cornerstone vocabulary word for any beginner.

As you progress to the A2 level, your interaction with the word 'letra' becomes more dynamic and contextual. You are no longer just reciting the alphabet; you are using 'letra' to describe the world around you and engage with Spanish media. At this stage, you will frequently use 'letra' to talk about music. Since A2 learners often use songs to improve their listening skills and vocabulary, knowing that 'la letra' means 'the lyrics' is incredibly useful. You might express your preferences by saying 'Me gusta esta canción porque la letra es muy romántica' (I like this song because the lyrics are very romantic) or 'No entiendo la letra de esta canción de reguetón' (I don't understand the lyrics of this reggaeton song). Remember that even though 'lyrics' is plural in English, it is almost always singular ('la letra') in Spanish when referring to a single song. Additionally, you will use 'letra' more confidently to describe handwriting and text formatting. If you are reading a Spanish book or website and the text is too small, you can say 'La letra es muy pequeña, no puedo leerla' (The font/text is very small, I can't read it). You will also start distinguishing between 'letra mayúscula' (capital letter) and 'letra minúscula' (lowercase letter), which is essential when discussing punctuation rules or filling out official documents. For example, 'Los nombres propios se escriben con letra mayúscula' (Proper nouns are written with a capital letter). Furthermore, you will solidify your understanding that 'letra' is never used for a piece of mail; you will confidently use 'carta' for that purpose, avoiding the classic beginner mistake. You might also encounter simple idiomatic uses, such as 'al pie de la letra' (to the letter/exactly), which you can use when talking about following a recipe or instructions. By the end of the A2 level, 'letra' will transition from being just a grammatical term for an alphabet character to a practical word you use to discuss music, reading materials, and writing styles in your everyday Spanish conversations.

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Reaching the B1 level means you are becoming an independent user of the Spanish language, and your use of the word 'letra' will reflect this growing sophistication. At this intermediate stage, you will encounter 'letra' in more complex texts and varied contexts. In the digital and professional realm, you will frequently use 'letra' to refer to typography and fonts. When creating a presentation or writing an email in Spanish, you might discuss the 'tipo de letra' (font type) or 'tamaño de letra' (font size). You could say, 'Por favor, cambia el tipo de letra a Arial para que sea más profesional' (Please change the font to Arial so it is more professional). In everyday life, you will also start paying attention to the 'letra pequeña' (fine print) when reading contracts, warranties, or advertisements. A common B1 sentence might be, 'Siempre debes leer la letra pequeña antes de firmar un contrato' (You must always read the fine print before signing a contract). This shows an ability to use 'letra' in a figurative, cautionary sense rather than just a literal one. In the context of music and arts, your discussions about 'letras' (lyrics) will become more analytical. Instead of just saying you like a song, you might explain why: 'La letra de esta canción tiene un mensaje muy profundo sobre la sociedad' (The lyrics of this song have a very deep message about society). You will also become completely comfortable with the idiom 'al pie de la letra'. You will use it naturally to describe strict compliance: 'Seguí las instrucciones del médico al pie de la letra' (I followed the doctor's instructions to the letter). Furthermore, you might encounter the plural 'letras' referring to the humanities or literature as an academic field, such as a student studying 'Filosofía y Letras'. At the B1 level, your vocabulary expands to include related words like 'caligrafía' (calligraphy) and 'fuente' (font), allowing you to choose the most precise word for the situation, though 'letra' will remain your reliable, go-to term for all these concepts.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of the word 'letra' involves understanding its nuances, idiomatic expressions, and specific applications in professional and financial contexts. You are expected to communicate with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, and 'letra' will appear in more abstract and specialized conversations. One significant addition to your vocabulary at this stage is the financial meaning of 'letra'. You will learn that 'una letra' or 'una letra de cambio' refers to a bill of exchange or a promissory note. In everyday financial discussions, people often use 'la letra' to refer to a monthly installment payment for a loan, a car, or a mortgage. For example, you might hear or say, 'Este mes me cuesta mucho pagar la letra del coche' (This month it is very hard for me to pay the car installment). This usage is crucial for understanding adult, real-world conversations in Spanish-speaking countries. In literary and academic contexts, you will use 'letras' to refer broadly to literature and the humanities. You might discuss 'el mundo de las letras' (the literary world) or refer to a famous author as 'un hombre de letras' (a man of letters). Your ability to discuss music lyrics will also reach a near-native level, allowing you to critique the poetic devices used in a 'letra' or translate complex metaphors. You will also use idioms more naturally. Beyond 'al pie de la letra', you might encounter phrases like 'tomar algo a la letra' (to take something literally). You will also be highly aware of register, knowing when to use 'letra' versus more technical terms like 'carácter' in computing or 'tipografía' in design. For instance, you will know that a password requires 'caracteres', not just 'letras', showing a precise understanding of digital vocabulary. At the B2 level, 'letra' is no longer just a building block of words; it is a versatile tool used to navigate contracts, manage finances, analyze literature, and express precise adherence to rules.

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At the C1 advanced level, your use of the word 'letra' demonstrates a deep, intuitive understanding of the Spanish language, encompassing its legal, literary, and idiomatic subtleties. You are able to express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. In legal and bureaucratic contexts, you will confidently navigate terms like 'la letra de la ley' (the letter of the law), contrasting it with 'el espíritu de la ley' (the spirit of the law) during complex debates or analytical writing. You will fully grasp the implications of 'la letra pequeña' not just as 'fine print', but as a metaphor for hidden conditions or deceit in any agreement or situation. Your financial vocabulary will be robust, allowing you to discuss 'letras del tesoro' (treasury bills) or the discounting of a 'letra de cambio' (bill of exchange) in business environments. In the realm of arts and literature, you will use 'letras' to discuss the broader cultural landscape. You might write an essay on 'las letras hispanoamericanas' (Hispanic American literature) or analyze how a songwriter's 'letra' reflects sociopolitical realities. You will appreciate the historical proverb 'la letra con sangre entra' (spare the rod, spoil the child / learning requires hard work), understanding its cultural weight and historical context regarding traditional education methods, even if you disagree with the sentiment. Your command of typography and design terminology will be precise; you will seamlessly switch between 'fuente', 'tipografía', and 'tipo de letra' depending on the formality of the audience. You will also recognize regional variations and colloquialisms involving 'letra'. At this level, you do not just know what 'letra' means; you know exactly how it feels in different contexts, allowing you to use it to persuade, analyze, critique, and negotiate with the sophistication of an educated native speaker.

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At the C2 mastery level, your relationship with the word 'letra' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a comprehensive grasp of its etymology, its historical evolution, and its most obscure or specialized applications. You understand that 'letra' derives from the Latin 'littera', and you can trace how this root has branched into various semantic fields, from orthography to literature and finance. In academic and philosophical discourse, you can effortlessly debate the dichotomy between 'la letra' (the literal text) and the underlying meaning or intention, applying this to literary criticism, constitutional law, or religious exegesis. You are comfortable with highly specialized financial jargon, fully understanding the mechanics of a 'letra de cambio' within international trade law. You can employ sophisticated idioms and proverbs naturally in conversation or writing. For instance, you might use 'atenerse a la letra' (to stick to the literal meaning) when criticizing a pedantic argument. When discussing literature, you refer to 'la República de las Letras' (the Republic of Letters) to describe the intellectual community. You are also acutely aware of the sociolinguistic aspects of handwriting, understanding how 'buena letra' or 'mala letra' can carry class or educational connotations in different Spanish-speaking societies. Your use of 'letra' in the context of music goes beyond mere lyrics; you can analyze the prosody, the metric structure, and the phonetic interplay of the 'letras' in a complex poetic composition. At the C2 level, 'letra' is a prime example of your linguistic mastery: a simple, everyday word that you can deploy with surgical precision across the entire spectrum of human experience, from the most mundane digital formatting task to the most elevated philosophical debate.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

letra 30초 만에

Refers to an alphabet character (A, B, C).
Means the lyrics of a song (singular in Spanish).
Describes a person's handwriting style (buena/mala letra).
Refers to typography, fonts, or fine print (letra pequeña).

The Spanish word 'letra' is a highly versatile and fundamental noun that every learner must master early in their language journey. At its most basic and literal level, 'letra' translates to 'letter' in English, specifically referring to the individual characters that constitute the alphabet. When you are spelling a word, reading a book, or learning the ABCs, you are dealing with 'letras'. However, the utility of this word extends far beyond simple orthography. It is deeply embedded in everyday conversation, artistic expression, and even legal terminology. One of the most common secondary meanings of 'letra' is 'handwriting' or 'penmanship'. When someone comments on how you write, they will use this word. For example, if you have beautiful, elegant cursive, a native speaker might compliment you on your 'buena letra'. Conversely, if your writing is illegible, they might joke about your 'mala letra'.

Su letra es muy difícil de entender.

Another incredibly frequent use of 'letra' is in the context of music. In English, we use the plural word 'lyrics' to describe the words of a song. In Spanish, this is expressed using the singular noun 'letra'. When you are listening to your favorite reggaeton, salsa, or pop song and you want to look up the words to sing along, you will search for 'la letra de la canción'. This is a crucial distinction because using the word 'letras' in a musical context might confuse a native speaker, as it would sound like you are talking about the individual alphabetical characters rather than the poetic composition of the song.

Music Context: Always use the singular form when referring to song lyrics to sound natural.

Furthermore, 'letra' is used in typography to refer to fonts or typefaces. When formatting a document on a computer, you might change the 'tipo de letra' (font type) or the 'tamaño de letra' (font size).

Cambia el tipo de letra a Arial.

In legal and financial contexts, 'letra' takes on yet another meaning. It can refer to a 'letra de cambio', which is a bill of exchange or a promissory note. While this is a more advanced and specific use, it highlights the word's flexibility. Additionally, the phrase 'letra pequeña' translates to 'fine print' in English, referring to the hidden or easily overlooked clauses in a contract.

Legal Context: Always read the 'letra pequeña' before signing any official documents or contracts.

No leí la letra pequeña del contrato.

The word also appears in various idiomatic expressions. For instance, 'al pie de la letra' means 'to the letter' or 'exactly as instructed'. If your boss gives you a set of instructions and expects you to follow them without deviation, you must follow them 'al pie de la letra'.

Seguí las instrucciones al pie de la letra.

In academic settings, 'letras' (in the plural) refers to the humanities or literature. A student might study 'Filosofía y Letras' (Philosophy and Literature).

Academic Context: The plural form 'letras' often denotes the field of humanities, literature, and arts.

La letra con sangre entra es un refrán antiguo.

Understanding these diverse applications is essential for achieving fluency. Whether you are analyzing the typography of a website, praising a friend's penmanship, memorizing the lyrics to a catchy pop song, or simply spelling your name over the phone, the word 'letra' will be an indispensable part of your Spanish vocabulary arsenal. Its multifaceted nature makes it a perfect example of how a single word can bridge the gap between basic literacy and nuanced cultural expression.

Using the word 'letra' correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its various meanings and the specific grammatical structures that accompany it. Because 'letra' is a feminine noun, it is crucial to ensure that all articles and adjectives modifying it agree in gender and number. You will use 'la letra' for the singular and 'las letras' for the plural. When describing the characteristics of a letter, you might use adjectives like 'mayúscula' (uppercase) or 'minúscula' (lowercase). For example, you would say, 'Escribe tu nombre con letra mayúscula' (Write your name with a capital letter).

La primera letra debe ser mayúscula.

When talking about handwriting, 'letra' is often paired with adjectives that describe quality or style, such as 'clara' (clear), 'legible' (legible), 'bonita' (pretty), or 'fea' (ugly). A common sentence structure is 'Tener + adjetivo + letra', as in 'Él tiene una letra muy clara' (He has very clear handwriting).

Handwriting Description: Use the verb 'tener' to describe someone's handwriting style.

Mi médico tiene una letra ilegible.

In the context of music, 'letra' is almost exclusively used in the singular to mean 'lyrics'. You will frequently hear sentences like 'Me encanta la letra de esta canción' (I love the lyrics of this song) or 'No me sé la letra' (I don't know the lyrics). It is often combined with verbs like 'saber' (to know), 'aprender' (to learn), or 'escribir' (to write).

El cantante olvidó la letra en el concierto.

When discussing typography or digital text, 'letra' is part of compound phrases like 'tipo de letra' (font) or 'tamaño de letra' (font size). You might instruct someone by saying, 'Aumenta el tamaño de la letra' (Increase the font size) or 'Usa un tipo de letra más profesional' (Use a more professional font).

Digital Context: 'Tipo de letra' is the standard translation for 'font' or 'typeface' in computing.

Este tipo de letra es muy elegante.

For idiomatic expressions, the phrase 'al pie de la letra' is incredibly common and functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. You use it to emphasize strict adherence to rules or instructions. For example, 'Hice la receta al pie de la letra' (I followed the recipe to the letter).

Idiomatic Usage: Use 'al pie de la letra' with verbs like seguir, cumplir, or hacer.

Tienes que seguir las reglas al pie de la letra.

Finally, in financial contexts, 'letra' can mean a monthly installment or payment, often referred to as 'la letra del coche' (the car payment) or 'la letra de la hipoteca' (the mortgage payment). This usage is very common in everyday adult conversations about finances. By mastering these different sentence structures and contexts, you will be able to use 'letra' accurately and naturally in almost any situation, from casual chats about music to formal discussions about contracts and typography.

The word 'letra' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, and you will encounter it in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the classroom to the concert hall, and from the office to casual conversations with friends. One of the very first places you will hear this word is in an educational environment. Teachers frequently use 'letra' when instructing students on spelling, reading, and writing. You will hear phrases like 'Deletrea la palabra letra por letra' (Spell the word letter by letter) or 'Escribe con letra de imprenta' (Write in block letters).

El profesor escribió la letra en la pizarra.

Moving beyond the classroom, the music industry is perhaps the most common place where 'letra' is used in everyday life. Whether you are at a karaoke bar, watching a music video with subtitles, or discussing a new album with friends, the 'letra' (lyrics) is a frequent topic of conversation. Fans often debate the meaning of a 'letra', praise a songwriter for their profound 'letras', or complain that a catchy song has a terrible 'letra'.

Karaoke Nights: In karaoke, the screen displays the 'letra' for you to sing along.

Esa canción tiene una letra muy triste.

In the professional and digital world, 'letra' is constantly heard when discussing documents, graphic design, and computing. Graphic designers talk about choosing the right 'tipo de letra' for a logo, while office workers might ask a colleague to increase the 'tamaño de letra' on a presentation slide so it is easier to read.

Necesito un tipo de letra más moderno.

Legal and financial environments also heavily utilize the word 'letra'. When signing a contract, a lawyer or advisor will always warn you to read the 'letra pequeña' (fine print) to avoid any hidden traps or unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, in banking and commerce, a 'letra de cambio' is a formal document, and people often refer to their monthly loan installments simply as 'la letra'.

Financial Talk: Paying 'la letra' usually refers to a monthly installment for a car or appliance.

Cuidado con la letra pequeña del seguro.

Finally, you will hear 'letra' in everyday idioms and casual banter. If someone is being overly literal or pedantic, a friend might say they are taking things 'al pie de la letra'. If someone receives a handwritten note, they might comment on the sender's 'letra'.

Everyday Observation: People frequently judge handwriting, calling it 'letra de médico' if it is messy.

Tienes letra de médico, no entiendo nada.

Because 'letra' permeates so many different aspects of life—from art and education to law and casual conversation—it is a word you will hear constantly. Paying attention to the context in which it is used will help you quickly determine whether the speaker is talking about the alphabet, a song, a font, or a financial obligation.

When learning the Spanish word 'letra', English speakers frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls due to direct translation errors and false cognates. The most notorious and widespread mistake is confusing 'letra' with 'carta'. Because 'letra' sounds very similar to the English word 'letter', beginners naturally assume it can be used for a letter sent through the mail. However, in Spanish, a written message sent in an envelope is always a 'carta'. If you tell a Spanish speaker 'Te envié una letra' (I sent you a letter), they will be very confused, thinking you mailed them a single alphabet character, like a giant plastic 'A'.

Ayer recibí una carta, no una letra.

False Friend Alert: Never use 'letra' to mean mail. Always use 'carta' for correspondence.

Another common error occurs when discussing music. In English, we refer to the words of a song in the plural form: 'lyrics'. Consequently, English speakers often translate this directly into Spanish as 'las letras'. While 'las letras' is grammatically correct when referring to multiple alphabet characters, the lyrics of a single song are referred to in the singular: 'la letra'. Saying 'Me gustan las letras de esta canción' sounds unnatural; the correct phrasing is 'Me gusta la letra de esta canción'.

La letra de este bolero es romántica.

A third area of confusion involves the word 'carácter'. In computing and typography, English speakers use 'character' to mean a letter, number, or symbol. While 'carácter' exists in Spanish and can mean a typographic symbol, 'letra' is strictly reserved for alphabetical letters. If a password requires 'ocho caracteres' (eight characters), it means any mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If it requires 'ocho letras', it strictly means eight alphabetical letters.

Technical Distinction: 'Letra' is only for A-Z. 'Carácter' includes numbers and punctuation.

La contraseña debe tener al menos una letra mayúscula.

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with gender agreement. Because 'letra' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun. However, when learners are thinking quickly, they might accidentally say 'el letra' or use masculine adjectives like 'letra pequeño'. It is vital to consistently apply feminine agreement: 'la letra', 'una letra', 'letra pequeña', 'letra bonita'.

Escribe con una letra clara, por favor.

Lastly, translating 'fine print' directly as 'impresión fina' is a mistake. The established idiom in Spanish is 'letra pequeña' (literally 'small letter'). Recognizing these common pitfalls—especially the 'letra' vs. 'carta' false friend and the singular use for song lyrics—will significantly improve your accuracy and help you sound much more like a native Spanish speaker.

Idiom Translation: 'Fine print' is always 'letra pequeña', never 'impresión fina'.

Siempre leo la letra pequeña de los contratos.

While 'letra' is a highly versatile word, Spanish offers several similar words and alternatives that provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these nuances is key to advancing your vocabulary. The most critical distinction, as mentioned previously, is between 'letra' and 'carta'. While both translate to 'letter' in English, 'carta' exclusively refers to a written correspondence sent to someone, whereas 'letra' is the alphabetical character itself.

La letra A es la primera del abecedario.

Letra vs Carta: Letra = Alphabet character. Carta = Mail correspondence.

When discussing typography, 'fuente' is a direct alternative to 'tipo de letra'. In modern computing, 'fuente' (which literally means 'fountain' or 'source') is widely used to mean 'font'. You can say 'Cambia la fuente' just as easily as 'Cambia el tipo de letra'.

Esa letra no se lee bien en la pantalla.

If you are talking about handwriting, 'caligrafía' is a more formal and specific alternative to 'letra'. While 'letra' simply means handwriting in a general sense (e.g., 'buena letra'), 'caligrafía' refers to the art of beautiful handwriting or the specific technical style of penmanship.

Handwriting Terms: Use 'letra' for everyday handwriting and 'caligrafía' for formal penmanship.

Practico mi letra cursiva todos los días.

Another related word is 'escritura', which translates to 'writing' in a broader sense. 'Escritura' refers to the act of writing, the system of writing, or a written document (like a deed). It is much broader than 'letra'. For example, the invention of writing is 'la invención de la escritura', not 'la invención de la letra'.

La letra de este manuscrito es antigua.

In the realm of music, while 'letra' means lyrics, the word 'canción' means the song as a whole (both music and lyrics). If you want to refer specifically to the musical notes or melody, you would use 'música' or 'melodía'.

Music Components: A song consists of 'la melodía' (the melody) and 'la letra' (the lyrics).

Me gusta la melodía, pero no la letra.

Finally, the word 'carácter' is used in computing to mean any symbol, number, or letter. It is a hypernym of 'letra' in the digital context. By knowing when to use 'fuente', 'caligrafía', 'escritura', 'carta', and 'carácter', you can express yourself with much greater precision and avoid the common ambiguities that arise from overusing the word 'letra'.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In ancient Rome, 'litterae' (the plural of littera) was used to mean an epistle or a written message sent to someone. While English kept this meaning for the word 'letter' (a letter in the mail), Spanish shifted to using 'carta' for mail, restricting 'letra' primarily to the characters themselves and lyrics.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈle.tɾa/

US /ˈle.tɾa/

LE-tra

라임이 맞는 단어

petra tetra penetrar impetra perpetra uretra metra geómetra

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (as in English 'top'). In Spanish, 't' is unaspirated and dental.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (retroflex). It must be a quick tap against the alveolar ridge.
Rolling the 'r' too much. It is a single tap, not a trill like 'rr'.
Diphthongizing the vowels. The 'e' and 'a' should be pure, short sounds, not 'lay-truh'.
Stressing the second syllable ('le-TRA'). The stress must be on the first syllable ('LE-tra').

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to recognize and read, as it looks like the English word 'letter'.

쓰기 1/5

Simple spelling, phonetic, and easy to write.

말하기 2/5

Requires remembering to tap the 'r' correctly and not aspirate the 't'.

듣기 2/5

Easy to hear, but context is needed to know if they mean lyrics, handwriting, or alphabet.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

el abecedario escribir leer la canción la palabra

다음에 배울 것

la carta la caligrafía deletrear la fuente el carácter

고급

la tipografía la exégesis el endoso la grafología el fonema

알아야 할 문법

Feminine Noun Agreement

La letra pequeña (not el letra pequeño).

Singular for Collective Concept (Lyrics)

Me gusta la letra (not las letras) de la canción.

Preposition 'con' for manner

Escribe con letra mayúscula.

Adverbial Phrases

Siguió las reglas al pie de la letra.

Reflexive for general statements

Esta letra se pronuncia fuerte.

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수준별 예문

La primera letra del abecedario es la A.

The first letter of the alphabet is A.

'Letra' is a feminine noun, so it uses 'la' and 'primera'.

Escribe tu nombre con letra clara.

Write your name with clear handwriting.

Here 'letra' means handwriting. Adjective 'clara' matches the feminine noun.

Me gusta la letra de esta canción.

I like the lyrics of this song.

'Letra' is singular when referring to the lyrics of a single song.

¿Qué letra es esta?

What letter is this?

A basic question structure using 'qué' + noun.

Mi letra es muy fea.

My handwriting is very ugly.

Using possessive 'mi' and adjective 'fea' to describe handwriting.

Falta una letra en esta palabra.

A letter is missing in this word.

'Falta' (is missing) is commonly used with 'letra' in spelling contexts.

La letra B se pronuncia diferente en español.

The letter B is pronounced differently in Spanish.

Using the reflexive 'se pronuncia' for general statements.

Escribe con letra mayúscula.

Write with a capital letter.

'Letra mayúscula' is the standard term for capital letter.

No entiendo la letra del médico.

I don't understand the doctor's handwriting.

'Letra de médico' is a common idiom for bad handwriting.

La letra de la pantalla es muy pequeña.

The font on the screen is very small.

'Letra' can refer to the font or text size on digital devices.

Aprendí la letra de mi canción favorita.

I learned the lyrics of my favorite song.

Past tense 'aprendí' used with 'la letra'.

Tienes que seguir las reglas al pie de la letra.

You have to follow the rules to the letter.

'Al pie de la letra' is a very common idiom meaning exactly.

Su letra es muy bonita y redonda.

Her handwriting is very pretty and round.

Multiple adjectives (bonita, redonda) modifying 'letra'.

Busca la letra en internet para cantar.

Search for the lyrics on the internet to sing.

Imperative 'busca' used for instructions.

El nombre empieza con la letra C.

The name starts with the letter C.

'Empezar con' is the standard prepositional phrase here.

Escribe en letra de molde, por favor.

Write in block letters, please.

'Letra de molde' means print or block letters.

Siempre leo la letra pequeña de los contratos.

I always read the fine print of contracts.

'Letra pequeña' is the exact translation for 'fine print'.

El tipo de letra de este documento no es profesional.

The font of this document is not professional.

'Tipo de letra' is the standard term for font or typeface.

La letra de este tango es muy melancólica.

The lyrics of this tango are very melancholic.

Using advanced adjectives like 'melancólica' to describe lyrics.

Deletreó su apellido letra por letra.

He spelled his last name letter by letter.

'Letra por letra' is an adverbial phrase meaning one by one.

Esa palabra se escribe con letra inicial minúscula.

That word is written with a lowercase initial letter.

'Letra inicial minúscula' is specific terminology for spelling rules.

Hice la receta al pie de la letra y salió perfecta.

I followed the recipe to the letter and it came out perfect.

Using the idiom 'al pie de la letra' in a practical context.

Estudia Filosofía y Letras en la universidad.

He studies Philosophy and Literature at the university.

'Letras' in plural refers to the humanities or literature.

No me sé la letra, solo tarareo la melodía.

I don't know the lyrics, I just hum the melody.

Contrasting 'letra' (lyrics) with 'melodía' (melody).

Este mes me cuesta mucho pagar la letra del coche.

This month it's very hard for me to pay the car installment.

'Letra' here means a financial installment or payment.

El contrato tiene cláusulas ocultas en la letra pequeña.

The contract has hidden clauses in the fine print.

Using 'letra pequeña' in a more complex legal sentence.

La tipografía utiliza una letra muy estilizada.

The typography uses a very stylized font.

Using 'letra' alongside 'tipografía' in design contexts.

Es un hombre de letras, muy respetado en el ámbito cultural.

He is a man of letters, highly respected in the cultural sphere.

'Hombre de letras' is a set phrase for a literary person or scholar.

Firmó una letra de cambio para garantizar el pago.

He signed a bill of exchange to guarantee the payment.

'Letra de cambio' is specific financial terminology.

Interpretó mis palabras al pie de la letra, sin entender el sarcasmo.

He interpreted my words literally, without understanding the sarcasm.

'Al pie de la letra' used to mean taking something too literally.

La letra con sangre entra era el lema de la antigua educación.

'Learning requires hard work' was the motto of old education.

A traditional proverb highlighting historical educational severity.

El diseñador cambió la fuente porque esa letra no era legible.

The designer changed the font because that typeface wasn't legible.

Using 'fuente' and 'letra' interchangeably in a digital context.

El juez aplicó la letra de la ley, ignorando su espíritu.

The judge applied the letter of the law, ignoring its spirit.

Contrasting 'la letra' (literal text) with 'el espíritu' (intent).

Las letras hispanoamericanas experimentaron un auge en los años sesenta.

Hispanic American literature experienced a boom in the sixties.

'Letras' used to denote the entire literary output of a region.

El banco descontó la letra de cambio antes de su vencimiento.

The bank discounted the bill of exchange before its maturity.

Advanced financial vocabulary ('descontar', 'vencimiento') with 'letra'.

Su análisis de la letra de esa canción revela una profunda crítica social.

His analysis of that song's lyrics reveals a deep social critique.

Academic analysis context using 'letra' for lyrics.

Invirtió sus ahorros en letras del tesoro por su bajo riesgo.

He invested his savings in treasury bills due to their low risk.

'Letras del tesoro' is the specific term for treasury bills.

La caligrafía de este manuscrito presenta una letra gótica fascinante.

The calligraphy of this manuscript features a fascinating Gothic script.

Using 'letra' to describe a specific historical script style.

Se atuvo a la letra del acuerdo, rechazando cualquier renegociación.

He stuck to the letter of the agreement, refusing any renegotiation.

'Atenerse a la letra' means to adhere strictly to the written text.

La revista está dedicada a las artes y las letras contemporáneas.

The magazine is dedicated to contemporary arts and literature.

'Artes y letras' is a common pairing for cultural publications.

La exégesis del texto requiere ir más allá de la letra muerta.

The exegesis of the text requires going beyond the dead letter.

'Letra muerta' refers to a law or text that is no longer relevant or strictly literal without spirit.

En la República de las Letras, el debate intelectual era primordial.

In the Republic of Letters, intellectual debate was paramount.

'República de las Letras' is a historical term for the intellectual community.

El endoso de la letra de cambio se realizó sin protesto.

The endorsement of the bill of exchange was made without protest.

Highly specialized legal/financial jargon ('endoso', 'protesto').

Su poesía se caracteriza por una letra críptica y llena de simbolismo.

His poetry is characterized by cryptic lyrics full of symbolism.

Using 'letra' to discuss the complex textual nature of poetry.

El tratado quedó en letra muerta al no ser ratificado por el parlamento.

The treaty became a dead letter as it was not ratified by parliament.

'Quedar en letra muerta' means to become ineffective or ignored.

La querella se resolvió ciñéndose estrictamente a la letra del contrato.

The dispute was resolved by adhering strictly to the letter of the contract.

'Ceñirse a la letra' is a formal way to say sticking to the text.

El galardón reconoce toda una vida dedicada a las letras españolas.

The award recognizes a lifetime dedicated to Spanish literature.

'Las letras españolas' refers to the canon of Spanish literature.

La grafología intenta descifrar la personalidad a través de los trazos de la letra.

Graphology attempts to decipher personality through the strokes of handwriting.

Scientific/analytical context discussing the physical strokes of 'letra'.

자주 쓰는 조합

letra mayúscula

letra minúscula

letra pequeña

buena letra

mala letra

letra de médico

tipo de letra

letra de cambio

letra de molde

letra cursiva

자주 쓰는 구문

al pie de la letra

— To follow instructions exactly, to the letter.

Hice la receta al pie de la letra.

letra por letra

— To spell or read something one letter at a time.

Deletreó su nombre letra por letra.

tomar a la letra

— To take something literally, without understanding nuance or sarcasm.

No tomes sus bromas a la letra.

letra muerta

— A law, rule, or agreement that is no longer enforced or valid.

Esa ley es letra muerta hoy en día.

letras del tesoro

— Treasury bills; short-term government debt securities.

Invirtió su dinero en letras del tesoro.

hombre de letras

— A scholar, writer, or intellectual.

Borges fue un gran hombre de letras.

ciñéndose a la letra

— Sticking strictly to the written text or rules.

El juez falló ciñéndose a la letra de la ley.

letra negrita

— Bold font or bold text.

Resalta el título en letra negrita.

saber la letra

— To know the lyrics of a song.

Me encanta la canción pero no me sé la letra.

letra de imprenta

— Print handwriting or block letters.

Escriba sus datos en letra de imprenta.

자주 혼동되는 단어

letra vs carta

'Carta' is a letter you send in the mail. 'Letra' is an alphabet character or song lyrics.

letra vs carácter

'Carácter' includes numbers and symbols (like in a password). 'Letra' is strictly A-Z.

letra vs letras (plural)

Using 'letras' to mean the lyrics of one song is a common English speaker mistake. Use singular 'letra'.

관용어 및 표현

"al pie de la letra"

— Exactly as instructed; to the letter.

Sigue las instrucciones al pie de la letra.

neutral

"letra de médico"

— Illegible or very messy handwriting.

No puedo leer esto, tienes letra de médico.

informal

"la letra con sangre entra"

— Learning requires hard work and discipline (historical proverb).

Mi abuelo siempre decía que la letra con sangre entra.

formal/historical

"quedar en letra muerta"

— To become a dead letter; to be ignored or unenforced.

El acuerdo de paz quedó en letra muerta.

formal

"tomar al pie de la letra"

— To take something completely literally.

Es una metáfora, no lo tomes al pie de la letra.

neutral

"ser de letras"

— To be inclined towards humanities/arts rather than sciences.

No se me dan bien las matemáticas, soy de letras.

informal

"letra pequeña"

— The fine print; hidden conditions in a contract.

Cuidado con la letra pequeña de esa oferta.

neutral

"a la letra"

— Literally; exactly as written.

Tradujo el poema a la letra, perdiendo la rima.

formal

"letras mayúsculas"

— Used metaphorically to mean something is very important or excellent.

Es un profesional con letras mayúsculas.

informal

"juntar letras"

— To barely know how to read or write; to write poorly.

Yo no soy escritor, solo me dedico a juntar letras.

informal/humorous

혼동하기 쉬운

letra vs carta

Both translate to 'letter' in English.

'Carta' is for correspondence (mail). 'Letra' is for the alphabet, handwriting, or lyrics.

Escribí una carta a mi madre con muy buena letra.

letra vs fuente

Both can mean 'font' in computing.

'Fuente' is the modern technical term for a digital font. 'Letra' (tipo de letra) is the traditional, everyday term.

Descargué una nueva fuente para cambiar el tipo de letra.

letra vs caligrafía

Both refer to handwriting.

'Caligrafía' is the formal art or specific style of penmanship. 'Letra' is the everyday word for how someone writes.

Practica caligrafía para mejorar su letra.

letra vs texto

Both can refer to the words of a document or song.

'Texto' is the general body of written work. 'Letra' specifically refers to the lyrics of a song or the characters themselves.

El texto del libro es largo, pero la letra es grande.

letra vs escritura

Both relate to writing.

'Escritura' is the act, system, or a legal deed. 'Letra' is the visual character or handwriting style.

La invención de la escritura nos dio las primeras letras.

문장 패턴

La letra [X] es...

La letra A es una vocal.

Tener + [adjective] + letra

Tengo muy buena letra.

Me gusta la letra de...

Me gusta la letra de esta canción.

Escribir con letra + [adjective]

Escribe con letra mayúscula.

Seguir + [noun] + al pie de la letra

Sigue la receta al pie de la letra.

Leer la letra pequeña de...

Lee la letra pequeña del contrato.

Pagar la letra de...

Tengo que pagar la letra del coche.

Ceñirse a la letra de...

El juez se ciñó a la letra de la ley.

어휘 가족

명사

letrero

letrado

letrazo

letrilla

동사

deletrear

형용사

letrado

iletrado

사용법

frequency

Very High. It is one of the top 1000 most frequently used words in Spanish.

자주 하는 실수

Te envié una letra por correo. → Te envié una carta por correo.
'Letra' means an alphabet character. 'Carta' is the correct word for a letter sent in the mail.
Me gustan las letras de esta canción. → Me gusta la letra de esta canción.
In Spanish, the lyrics of a single song are referred to in the singular ('la letra'). 'Las letras' sounds like individual alphabet characters.
El letra es muy pequeño. → La letra es muy pequeña.
'Letra' is a feminine noun. All articles and adjectives must agree in the feminine form ('la', 'pequeña').
La contraseña necesita ocho letras y números. → La contraseña necesita ocho caracteres.
When referring to a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols in computing, the correct term is 'caracteres', not 'letras'.
Leí la impresión fina del contrato. → Leí la letra pequeña del contrato.
'Fine print' is an English idiom. The Spanish equivalent is 'letra pequeña' (small letter).

팁

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'letra' is feminine. Practice saying 'la letra', 'una letra', and 'letra pequeña' to build muscle memory and avoid saying 'el letra'.

The Mail Mistake

Never use 'letra' for mail. Write 'carta = mail' and 'letra = alphabet/lyrics' on a sticky note until it becomes second nature.

Singular for Songs

When looking up song words, search for 'letra de [song name]'. Do not use the plural 'letras' unless you are looking up lyrics for multiple songs.

Al pie de la letra

Memorize the phrase 'al pie de la letra'. It is extremely common and will make you sound very fluent when describing following rules or instructions.

The Spanish 'T' and 'R'

Make sure your 't' in 'letra' touches your teeth and doesn't puff air. The 'r' should be a single, quick tap, not a long roll.

Doctor's Handwriting

Use the phrase 'letra de médico' as a joke when someone's handwriting is bad. It's a great cultural touchpoint that native speakers will appreciate.

Mayúscula vs Minúscula

Learn the adjectives 'mayúscula' (uppercase) and 'minúscula' (lowercase) together with 'letra', as they are almost always used as a pair.

Fine Print

In business or legal contexts, always use 'letra pequeña' for fine print. Don't try to translate 'fine' literally as 'fina'.

Digital Fonts

If you are using a computer in Spanish, look for 'Fuente' or 'Tipo de letra' in the formatting menus to change your text style.

Financial Installments

If an adult complains about paying 'la letra', they are talking about a loan installment, not buying an alphabet block. Context is key!

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a beautiful LETTER (A, B, C) singing the LYRICS to a song while practicing its HANDWRITING. Letra covers all three!

시각적 연상

Picture a giant, golden letter 'A'. On the left side of the 'A', someone is writing in beautiful cursive (handwriting). On the right side, musical notes and words (lyrics) are floating away from it. This connects the three main meanings.

Word Web

letra abecedario (alphabet) canción (song) caligrafía (handwriting) mayúscula (uppercase) minúscula (lowercase) fuente (font) pequeña (fine print)

챌린지

Find a Spanish song you like. Look up 'la letra de [song name]' online. Write down your favorite line using your best 'letra' (handwriting). Notice how you used the word in two different ways!

어원

The word 'letra' comes from the Latin word 'littera', which meant 'letter of the alphabet' and also 'handwriting' or 'document'. The exact origin of the Latin 'littera' is uncertain, but it is believed to be related to the Greek word 'diphthera', meaning 'prepared hide' or 'leather', which was used as a writing material. Over time, 'littera' evolved in Vulgar Latin and eventually became 'letra' in Old Spanish. The semantic expansion to include 'lyrics' and 'financial bills' occurred later as society developed musical publishing and complex commerce.

원래 의미: A character of the alphabet or a written document.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Spanish

문화적 맥락

The proverb 'la letra con sangre entra' refers to historical child abuse in education. Use it only in historical or highly metaphorical contexts, as it can be jarring.

English speakers often struggle because 'letter' means both an alphabet character and mail. In Spanish, you must split these concepts: 'letra' for the character/lyrics, and 'carta' for the mail.

The phrase 'República de las Letras' used by Enlightenment thinkers. The song 'La Letra' by various Latin artists emphasizing lyrics. The academic faculty 'Facultad de Filosofía y Letras' found in almost every major Spanish university.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Spelling and Alphabet

letra por letra
letra mayúscula
letra minúscula
deletrear la palabra

Music and Songs

la letra de la canción
saberse la letra
escribir la letra
letra y música

Handwriting

buena letra
mala letra
letra de médico
letra cursiva

Digital and Typography

tipo de letra
tamaño de letra
fuente de letra
letra negrita

Legal and Idioms

letra pequeña
al pie de la letra
letra de cambio
letra muerta

대화 시작하기

"¿Cuál es tu canción favorita y por qué te gusta su letra?"

"¿Crees que tienes buena letra o letra de médico cuando escribes a mano?"

"¿Alguna vez has firmado un contrato sin leer la letra pequeña?"

"¿Prefieres escuchar música por la melodía o por la letra?"

"¿Qué tipo de letra usas normalmente cuando escribes un documento en el ordenador?"

일기 주제

Escribe sobre una canción cuya letra te haya hecho llorar o reír, y explica por qué.

Describe cómo ha cambiado tu letra (caligrafía) desde que eras niño hasta ahora.

Cuenta una historia sobre una vez que seguiste unas instrucciones 'al pie de la letra' y el resultado fue un desastre.

Escribe el abecedario en español e intenta pensar en una palabra que empiece con cada letra.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de leer la 'letra pequeña' en la vida adulta.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, never. This is a very common mistake for English speakers. A letter sent in the mail is always a 'carta'. If you say you sent a 'letra', people will think you mailed a plastic alphabet block.

In Spanish, the lyrics of a single song are considered one cohesive body of text, hence the singular 'la letra'. If you say 'las letras', it sounds like you are talking about the individual alphabet characters (A, B, C) in the song.

Capital letter is 'letra mayúscula' and lowercase letter is 'letra minúscula'. You will often hear teachers say 'escribe con mayúscula' as a shorthand.

It literally translates to 'doctor's handwriting'. It is a universal idiom in Spanish used to describe handwriting that is very messy, illegible, or hard to read.

You can say 'tipo de letra' or simply 'fuente'. 'Tipo de letra' is very common in everyday language, while 'fuente' is often used in software menus and graphic design.

It is an idiom that means 'to the letter' or 'exactly as instructed'. If you follow a recipe 'al pie de la letra', you didn't change any ingredients or steps.

'Letra' is a feminine noun. It must always be used with feminine articles and adjectives, such as 'la letra', 'una letra', 'letra bonita', or 'letra pequeña'.

'Letra pequeña' translates directly to 'small letter', but it is the standard idiom for 'fine print' in contracts, advertisements, or legal documents.

Yes, in many Spanish-speaking countries, 'la letra' refers to a monthly installment payment for a loan, a car, or a mortgage. For example, 'pagar la letra del coche'.

'Sopa de letras' literally means 'alphabet soup'. It refers to the actual soup with letter-shaped pasta, but it is also the standard Spanish term for a 'word search' puzzle.

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