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How to Say "to write" in Spanish

English → Spanish

escribir

/es-kree-BEER//eskɾiˈβiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'escribir' for the general act of forming letters or words on a surface, like paper or a screen, to create text.
A close-up view of a hand holding a blue pen, actively sketching simple, curved lines on a clean sheet of white paper in a notebook.

Examples

Me gusta escribir cartas a mis amigos.

I like to write letters to my friends.

¿Puedes escribir tu nombre aquí?

Can you write your name here?

Estoy escribiendo un correo a mi jefe.

I'm writing an email to my boss.

Ayer escribí una lista de la compra.

Yesterday I wrote a shopping list.

A Regular -ir Verb

In most tenses, 'escribir' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in '-ir'. For example, in the present tense, 'yo vivo' (I live) becomes 'yo escribo' (I write).

The Past Form 'escrito'

Mistake: “He *escribido* una carta.”

Correction: He **escrito** una carta. (I have written a letter). The form of a verb used after 'have' or 'has' is special for 'escribir'. It's always 'escrito', never 'escribido'.

girar

hee-RAHR/xiˈɾaɾ/

verbB1financial
Use 'girar' specifically when referring to the act of issuing or making out a financial instrument, such as a check or money order.
A hand placing a rectangular, blank financial document onto a wooden desk, symbolizing issuance.

Examples

El departamento de contabilidad debe girar el pago esta semana.

The accounting department must issue the payment this week.

La empresa debe girar un cheque al proveedor mañana.

The company must issue a check to the supplier tomorrow.

¿Puedes girarme 50 euros por Western Union?

Can you transfer 50 euros to me via Western Union?

Specific Noun Requirement

In this context, 'girar' almost always needs a financial object right after it, such as 'un cheque' (a check) or 'un giro' (a money order/transfer).

Don't confuse writing words with issuing payments

The most common mistake is using 'girar' when you mean the general act of writing. Remember, 'escribir' is for forming words and text, while 'girar' in this context is strictly for financial transactions like writing a check.

Related Translations

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