escrito

/es-KREE-toh/

written

A simple illustration showing a hand holding a feather quill poised just above a blank piece of parchment, indicating the action of writing.

Describing something that is in a written form or status.

escrito(Adjective)

mA1

written

describing status or form

Also:

in writing

describing confirmation

📝 In Action

Necesito una respuesta escrita antes del lunes.

I need a written answer before Monday.

El examen está escrito en inglés y español.

The test is written in English and Spanish.

Word Connections

Synonyms

redactado (drafted)
por escrito (in writing)

Antonyms

oral (spoken)
verbal (verbal)

Common Collocations

ley escrita – written law
prueba escrita – written test/proof

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'escrito' must change its ending to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the person or thing it describes. For example, 'reglas escritas' (written rules).

The Special Verb Form

'Escrito' is the special past form of the verb 'escribir' (to write) and is used with 'haber' to form perfect tenses: 'He escrito un libro' (I have written a book).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting Gender Match

Mistake: "La nota fue escrito en el papel."

Correction: La nota fue escrita en el papel. (The feminine noun 'nota' requires the feminine form 'escrita').

⭐ Usage Tips

Irregularity Alert

Remember that 'escrito' is irregular. If you followed the usual pattern, it would be 'escribido,' but that word doesn't exist! Memorize 'escrito' for 'written.'

A tightly rolled scroll of official-looking paper tied securely with a thick red ribbon, symbolizing a formal document.

Refers to a formal or official paper or document.

escrito(Noun)

mB1

document

formal/official paper

Also:

piece of writing

general written work

brief

legal submission

📝 In Action

El juez solicitó que se presentara un escrito formal.

The judge requested that a formal document be submitted.

Aún no hemos terminado de redactar el escrito.

We still haven't finished drafting the piece of writing.

Word Connections

Synonyms

documento (document)
expediente (file)
texto (text)

Common Collocations

presentar un escrito – to submit a document
el cuerpo del escrito – the body of the document

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Gender

When 'escrito' is used as a noun meaning 'a document,' it is always masculine (el escrito), regardless of the gender of the writer or the topic.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: "La escrito es demasiado largo."

Correction: El escrito es demasiado largo. (It must be 'el escrito' because the noun is masculine).

⭐ Usage Tips

Use for Formal Papers

Use 'escrito' when referring to a structured, formal paper, report, or petition, especially when dealing with courts, government, or academic institutions.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: escrito

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'escrito' correctly as an adjective?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

escribir(to write) - verb

escritor(writer (m)) - noun

escritura(writing/script/deed) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'escrito' is an adjective or a noun?

If it follows a verb like 'es' (is) or 'fue' (was) and changes form (escrita, escritos), it's the adjective/participle ('The letter was written'). If it is preceded by 'el' or 'un' and refers to a physical document, it's the noun ('The document').

What is the difference between 'escrito' and 'escritura'?

'Escrito' (noun) is the physical document itself, often formal. 'Escritura' is usually the action of writing, or sometimes refers to handwriting or a legal deed.