Inklingo

How to Say "essay" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “essay” is “ensayo” — use 'ensayo' for a formal piece of writing on a specific subject, typically for academic or literary purposes, similar to an academic essay.

English → Spanish

ensayo

en-SIGH-yoenˈsaʝo

nounB1formal
Use 'ensayo' for a formal piece of writing on a specific subject, typically for academic or literary purposes, similar to an academic essay.
A thick stack of white papers resting on a wooden desk, symbolizing a completed piece of writing. A fountain pen lies across the top sheet.

Examples

Mi profesor de historia nos pidió escribir un ensayo sobre la Revolución Francesa.

My history professor asked us to write an essay about the French Revolution.

El ensayo de ese autor es muy influyente en la filosofía moderna.

That author's essay is very influential in modern philosophy.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'ensayo' ends in 'o', which usually means it's masculine, remember that all nouns referring to written pieces of this type are masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing with 'Test'

Mistake: “Using 'ensayo' when you mean a short quiz or school test ('examen' or 'prueba').”

Correction: Use 'ensayo' only for the long-form written work or the 'rehearsal' meaning. For a quick school test, use 'examen' or 'prueba'.

artículo

nounB1
Choose 'artículo' when referring to a written piece published in a newspaper, magazine, or online, often shorter and more journalistic than an 'ensayo'.

Examples

El periodista escribió un artículo sobre el cambio climático.

The journalist wrote an article about climate change.

redacción

nounA2informal
Use 'redacción' for a school assignment, especially for younger students, focusing on a specific topic as a written exercise.

Examples

Tengo que escribir una redacción sobre mi familia.

I have to write an essay about my family.

composición

nounA2informal
Opt for 'composición' when referring to a school writing task, often a creative or descriptive piece assigned in class.

Examples

Tengo que escribir una composición para mi clase de español.

I have to write an essay for my Spanish class.

Essay vs. Article vs. School Writing

The most common confusion is between 'ensayo' and 'artículo'. Remember that 'ensayo' is typically a more formal, in-depth piece, often academic, while 'artículo' refers to a published piece like a newspaper or magazine article. 'Redacción' and 'composición' are primarily for school assignments.

Related Translations

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