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How to Say "handwritten" in Spanish

English → Spanish

manuscrito

/mah-noo-SKREE-toh//manusˈkɾito/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'manuscrito' when describing any text that was written by hand, regardless of who wrote it. It focuses on the method of writing.
A close-up of a hand holding a wooden pencil, writing neat cursive letters on a piece of lined paper.

Examples

Compré un diario manuscrito en una tienda de antigüedades.

I bought a handwritten journal at an antique shop.

Recibí una invitación manuscrita.

I received a handwritten invitation.

Prefiero los diarios manuscritos a los blogs.

I prefer handwritten diaries over blogs.

El contrato tiene una nota manuscrita al final.

The contract has a handwritten note at the end.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must change its ending. Use 'manuscrito' for masculine things (el libro) and 'manuscrita' for feminine things (la carta).

Word Order

Mistake: “Una manuscrita nota.”

Correction: Una nota manuscrita.

autógrafo

/ow-TOH-grah-foh//auˈtoɣɾafo/

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'autógrafo' when the fact that a specific, famous person wrote something by hand is important. It implies authenticity and personal authorship.
A hand-written letter on a piece of paper with a fountain pen resting next to it.

Examples

El autor firmó el libro con un mensaje autógrafo.

The author signed the book with a handwritten message.

El museo guarda un manuscrito autógrafo de Cervantes.

The museum keeps a handwritten manuscript by Cervantes.

Matching the Noun

As a describing word, it changes to 'autógrafa' if the thing it describes is 'feminine'. Example: 'una carta autógrafa'.

Autógrafo vs. Manuscrito

Learners often confuse these by using 'autógrafo' for any handwritten item. Remember, 'autógrafo' specifically highlights that the famous author wrote it. For general handwritten items, 'manuscrito' is usually the correct choice.

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