Meaning
To compose a written message on paper.
Cultural Background
Children write letters to the 'Reyes Magos' (Three Kings) rather than Santa Claus, though both are becoming common. The 'Día del Cartero' (Postman's Day) on November 12th celebrates the people who deliver these letters. In many countries, 'la carta' in a restaurant is the menu, but in others, they use 'el menú'. Using 'escribir' with 'la carta' in a restaurant will confuse people.
Use 'a mano'
Add 'a mano' (by hand) to emphasize the personal touch: 'Escribir una carta a mano'.
Letter vs Lyrics
Remember: 'Carta' is for mail, 'Letra' is for the alphabet or song lyrics.
Meaning
To compose a written message on paper.
Use 'a mano'
Add 'a mano' (by hand) to emphasize the personal touch: 'Escribir una carta a mano'.
Letter vs Lyrics
Remember: 'Carta' is for mail, 'Letra' is for the alphabet or song lyrics.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'escribir' in the present tense.
Yo ___ una carta a mi amigo.
The first person singular present form of 'escribir' is 'escribo'.
Which is the correct past participle?
He ___ una carta.
'Escrito' is the irregular past participle of 'escribir'.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English meaning.
1. Escribir una carta, 2. Leer la carta, 3. Echar la carta
'Echar' is often used for the act of putting the letter in the mailbox.
Complete the dialogue.
—¿Qué haces? —___ una carta para mi tía.
Writing a letter is the only logical activity for the context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Correspondence
Personal
- • Carta de amor
- • Carta a un amigo
Formal
- • Carta de renuncia
- • Carta oficial
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ___ una carta a mi amigo.
The first person singular present form of 'escribir' is 'escribo'.
He ___ una carta.
'Escrito' is the irregular past participle of 'escribir'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Echar' is often used for the act of putting the letter in the mailbox.
—¿Qué haces? —___ una carta para mi tía.
Writing a letter is the only logical activity for the context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very old-fashioned. Use 'escribir un correo' instead.
No, it is a common mistake even for some native children, but 'escrito' is the only correct form.
A 'carta' is a letter in an envelope; a 'tarjeta' is a postcard or a greeting card.
Related Phrases
Escribir un correo electrónico
modern equivalentTo write an email
Redactar una carta
specialized formTo draft/compose a letter
Echar una carta al buzón
builds onTo drop a letter in the mailbox
