handwriting

[/ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/]
nounpl: handwritings
caligrafia
1. writing done by hand with a pen or pencil, as opposed to typing or printing
Her handwriting is very neat and easy to read.
A caligrafia dela é muito clara e fácil de ler.
2. the characteristic way in which a particular person writes by hand
I recognized the letter immediately by its distinctive handwriting.
Reconheci a carta imediatamente pela sua caligrafia distintiva.
3. the form or style of writing characteristic of a person or period
Medieval handwriting is difficult for modern readers to decipher.
A caligrafia medieval é difícil para leitores modernos decifrar.
In both Brazilian and American education systems, handwriting instruction has become less emphasized with the rise of digital devices. However, in Brazil and Portugal, formal handwriting and calligraphy classes ('aulas de caligrafia') are still valued in primary education. The phrase 'a caligrafia está na parede' is the Brazilian Portuguese equivalent of 'the handwriting is on the wall.'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
scriptpenmanshipcursivewriting
Antonyms / Antônimos
printingtypingtyped text

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caligrafia
most common term used in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
caligrafia
standard usage
São Paulo
caligrafia
standard usage
Portugal
caligrafia
same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'letra' for handwriting style

Related Words

handwritecursivescriptpenmanshipcalligraphysignature

Related Idioms & Phrases

the handwriting is on the wall (something bad is about to happen)
read someone's handwriting (understand someone's intentions or style)
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