What is the difference between "escribir", "componer", "redactar", "girar" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to write' has several Spanish translations, each used in different contexts. Choosing the correct word depends on whether you are referring to the general act of writing, composing creative works, drafting documents, or issuing a payment.

How to Say "to write" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to write” is “escribir” — use 'escribir' for the general act of putting letters or words onto a surface, like paper or a screen.

escribir🔊A1

Use 'escribir' for the general act of putting letters or words onto a surface, like paper or a screen.

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componer🔊A2

Use 'componer' when referring to the creative process of making artistic works like songs, poems, or music.

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redactar🔊B1

Use 'redactar' for the formal process of composing a text or document, such as an email, report, or letter.

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girar🔊B1

Use 'girar' specifically when the context involves issuing a financial instrument like a check or money order.

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English → Spanish

escribir

es-kree-BEEReskɾiˈβiɾ

verbA1general

Use 'escribir' for the general act of putting letters or words onto a surface, like paper or a screen.

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

¿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'.

See full entry for “escribir” →

componer

kom-po-nerkompoˈneɾ

verbA2artistic

Use 'componer' when referring to the creative process of making artistic works like songs, poems, or music.

A person sitting at a desk writing musical notes on a sheet of paper with a quill pen.

Examples

Mi hermana quiere componer una canción para tu boda.

My sister wants to compose a song for your wedding.

Beethoven compuso su novena sinfonía estando sordo.

Beethoven composed his ninth symphony while being deaf.

El poeta pasó años intentando componer su obra maestra.

The poet spent years trying to write his masterpiece.

The Poner Pattern

This word works exactly like the verb 'poner'. If you know how to conjugate 'poner', just add 'com-' to the front!

The 'I' Form Surprise

In the present tense, the 'I' (yo) form adds a 'g' to become 'compongo' instead of 'compono'.

Past Tense Error

Mistake: “Yo componí una canción.”

Correction: Yo compuse una canción. (This verb is irregular in the past, changing its middle part entirely.)

See full entry for “componer” →

redactar

re-dak-TARreðakˈtaɾ

verbB1formal

Use 'redactar' for the formal process of composing a text or document, such as an email, report, or letter.

A hand holding a wooden pencil, writing on a clean sheet of paper on a wooden desk.

Examples

Tengo que redactar un correo electrónico para mi jefe.

I have to write an email for my boss.

El periodista redactó la noticia en menos de una hora.

The journalist drafted the news story in less than an hour.

Es importante redactar el contrato con mucho cuidado.

It is important to draw up the contract very carefully.

Redactar vs. Escribir

While 'escribir' is the general physical act of writing, 'redactar' focuses on the mental process of organizing and composing thoughts into a formal text.

Always Regular

This verb follows the standard patterns for all '-ar' verbs, making it very predictable to conjugate in all forms.

The 'Edit' Confusion

Mistake: “Using redactar to mean 'editing' a video or fixing spelling.”

Correction: Redactar means 'to draft' or 'to compose' text. For editing a video, use 'editar'; for fixing text, use 'corregir' or 'revisar'.

See full entry for “redactar” →

girar

hee-RAHRxiˈɾaɾ

verbB1financial

Use 'girar' specifically when the context involves issuing a financial instrument like a check or money order.

A hand placing a rectangular, blank financial document onto a wooden desk, symbolizing issuance.

Examples

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).

See full entry for “girar” →

General vs. Specific Writing

Learners often confuse 'escribir' with 'redactar' or 'componer'. Remember that 'escribir' is the most general term for writing anything, while 'redactar' implies a more formal composition of documents and 'componer' is for creative works.

Related Translations

to compose→to author→to draft→to fix→to issue→to repair→to rotate→to spell→

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