Inklingo

How to Say "text" in Spanish

English → Spanish

texto

TEK-stoh/ˈteksto/

nounA1general
Use 'texto' when referring to any written or printed material, like the words in a book, article, or document. It can also be an informal shortening of 'text message'.
A stack of white papers resting on a desk, with simple horizontal lines drawn on the top sheet to represent unreadable written content.

Examples

El texto de la novela es fascinante.

The text of the novel is fascinating.

El texto del artículo era muy largo.

The text of the article was very long.

Hay que traducir el texto completo al inglés.

We have to translate the complete text into English.

La profesora nos pidió analizar un texto literario.

The teacher asked us to analyze a literary text.

Masculine Noun Rule

'Texto' is always a masculine word, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it. (e.g., El texto, Un texto).

Common Verb Mistake

Mistake: “Using 'textar' as the verb (like English 'to text').”

Correction: The most common verb is 'textear' (to text) or, more formally, 'enviar un texto' (to send a text).

mensaje

/men-SA-heh//menˈsa.xe/

nounA1informal
Use 'mensaje' specifically when you mean a 'text message' or a short written communication sent electronically, like via a phone or app.
A small, brightly colored bird flying across a sunny sky, carrying a tiny rolled-up scroll tied to its leg, representing a communication being sent.

Examples

Recibí un mensaje tuyo anoche.

I received a message from you last night.

Te envié un mensaje esta mañana. ¿Lo viste?

I sent you a message this morning. Did you see it?

Por favor, déjale un mensaje a tu hermana de mi parte.

Please, leave a message for your sister from me.

Recibí un mensaje de voz de un número desconocido.

I received a voicemail message from an unknown number.

Always Masculine: 'el mensaje'

Even though it ends in '-e', 'mensaje' is a masculine word. A helpful trick: nearly all Spanish nouns that end in '-aje' are masculine, like 'el viaje' (the trip) and 'el garaje' (the garage).

Don't Mix Up with 'Masaje'

Mistake: “Quiero un mensaje, por favor.”

Correction: Quiero un masaje, por favor. 'Masaje' means 'massage'. They sound similar but mean very different things!

lectura

/lek-TOO-ra//lekˈtuɾa/

nounB1academic/formal
Choose 'lectura' when referring to a specific piece of writing assigned to be read, such as a chapter in a book or an article for a class.
A neat stack of three colorful, closed books resting on a surface, representing assigned reading material.

Examples

La lectura de hoy es sobre la historia de España.

Today's reading is about the history of Spain.

¿Cuál es la lectura obligatoria para esta semana?

What is the mandatory reading material for this week?

La lectura de anoche fue muy densa.

Last night's reading was very dense.

Singular for Plural

In this sense, 'lectura' often remains singular when used as a collective term for the assignment, even if it covers many pages or texts.

Texto vs. Mensaje

The most common confusion is between 'texto' and 'mensaje' when referring to electronic messages. While 'texto' can be used informally, 'mensaje' is the more precise and universally understood term for a 'text message'.

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