Inklingo

How to Say "literature" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “literature” is “letras” — use 'letras' when referring to the academic discipline that studies language, culture, and the humanities, often at a university level..

English → Spanish

letras

/LEH-tras//ˈle.tɾas/

nounB1academic
Use 'letras' when referring to the academic discipline that studies language, culture, and the humanities, often at a university level.
A stylized composition featuring a green laurel wreath, a small classical column fragment, and a representation of an open book shape, symbolizing academic study.

Examples

Mi hermana estudia Letras en la Universidad de Salamanca.

My sister studies Humanities/Literature at the University of Salamanca.

Siempre fui mejor en letras que en ciencias.

I was always better at humanities than at sciences.

Academic Usage

When referring to the academic field, 'Letras' is often capitalized and used in contrast with 'Ciencias' (Sciences).

literatura

lee-teh-rah-TOO-rah/liteɾaˈtuɾa/

nounB2general
Use 'literatura' when referring to written works considered as art, such as novels, poetry, drama, and essays.
A stack of three colorful books resting on a surface next to an antique inkwell and a feather quill, symbolizing written artistry.

Examples

Mi clase favorita es la de literatura moderna.

My favorite class is modern literature.

La literatura rusa del siglo XIX es muy profunda.

19th-century Russian literature is very profound.

Ella quiere estudiar literatura comparada en la universidad.

She wants to study comparative literature at university.

Feminine Noun Pattern

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -a are feminine, 'literatura' is a perfect example. Always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with it.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El literatura”

Correction: La literatura. Remember this word is feminine, even if it refers to a broad, abstract field.

Confusing Academic Study vs. Artistic Works

The most common mistake is using 'literatura' when referring to the university major or field of study. Remember that 'letras' is the term for the academic discipline, while 'literatura' refers to the creative works themselves.

Related Translations

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