escribe
“escribe” means “writes” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
writes
Also: is writing
📝 In Action
Mi madre siempre escribe cartas a mano.
A1My mother always writes letters by hand.
El periodista no escribe artículos sobre política.
A2The journalist does not write articles about politics.
¿Usted escribe el informe antes de irse?
A2Do you write the report before leaving (formal)?
write!
📝 In Action
¡Escribe tu dirección en el formulario!
A1Write your address on the form!
Escribe una nota para tu papá antes de salir.
A1Write a note for your dad before leaving.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escribe
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'escribe' to describe a routine action?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *scrībere*, meaning 'to write, scratch, or draw.' It has remained virtually unchanged in meaning and form since its Old Spanish roots.
First recorded: Old Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'escribe' the command form for *usted* (formal you)?
No. 'Escribe' is the command for informal 'tú'. The formal command for 'usted' is 'escriba'. They sound similar but are used for different levels of respect.
What is the difference between 'escribe' and 'está escribiendo'?
'Escribe' usually describes a habitual action ('She writes every day'). 'Está escribiendo' emphasizes that the action is currently in progress, happening right now ('She is writing right now').