Spanish Phrase
¿Cuánto cuesta mandar esta carta?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for the price of sending the specific letter they are holding. It is a polite, neutral‑register question you would use at a post office or when inquiring about mailing costs.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are at a post office, a shipping counter, or speaking with a friend about the cost of mailing a letter. It works both in formal settings (e.g., asking a clerk) and informal conversations (e.g., asking a neighbor).
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuántocuestamandarestacarta?
¿Cuánto?
Interrogative adjective meaning 'how much', placed before the verb in questions.
cuesta
Third‑person singular of the verb costar, used to ask the price of something.
mandar
Infinitive meaning 'to send' (by mail). In many regions 'enviar' is more common, but 'mandar' is perfectly natural.
esta
Demonstrative adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
carta
Feminine noun meaning 'letter' (as in a piece of paper you write and mail).
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuánto cuesta mandar esta carta?
How much does it cost to send this letter?
Cuesta 1,20 €, y el sello lo tienes aquí.
It costs €1.20, and here's the stamp.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuánto custa mandar esta carta?
The verb is 'costar', not 'custa'.
¿Cuánto cuesta enviar mandar esta carta?
In some regions learners replace it with 'enviar' but keep the same meaning; using 'mandar' is correct, just avoid mixing the two in the same sentence.
¿Cuánto cuesta mandar esa carta?
If the letter is far away, you would use 'esa carta' (that letter) instead of 'esta' (this letter).
↔Alternatives
¿Cuál es el precio de enviar esta carta?
What is the price of sending this letter?
¿Cuánto hay que pagar para mandar esta carta?
How much do I have to pay to send this letter?
¿Cuánto vale mandar esta carta?
How much does it cost to mail this letter?
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries the word 'carta' refers to a handwritten or printed document you mail, while 'sobre' is the envelope itself. At the post office you’ll often be asked if you want 'carta certificada' (registered mail) or 'carta simple'. Using 'mandar' is common in everyday speech, but in formal contexts 'enviar' may sound slightly more polished. Remember that prices are usually quoted in the local currency (e.g., euros in Spain, pesos in Latin America).