archivo
/aɾˈt͡ʃibo/
The Spanish word for archive is archivo.
archivo is used as a noun to refer to a physical or digital archive where data or documents are kept.
Meaning: to transfer (less used or obsolete data, files, etc.) to a storage medium for long-term storage (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Colombia, the word archivador is used to refer to a file or a binder. In Spain, the phrase guardar en un fichero is commonly used to mean 'to archive' or 'to save in a file.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form for a physical or digital archive is archivo, while the verb form used for the action of archiving is archivar.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈtʃibo/
Did you know?
- In a bureaucratic context, a Spanish speaker might describe a document as archivado to mean it has been intentionally ignored or 'shelved' to avoid dealing with it.
- The word archivo shares a root with the Greek word for 'beginning' or 'origin', which is why it relates to things that are preserved from the start of an era.
- While archivar means to store data, the phrase archivar la ropa is used in some regions to describe the act of putting seasonal clothes away in storage.
Examples in context
- El documento se encuentra en el archivo central.The document is located in the central archive.
- Es imprescindible archivar los contratos de forma adecuada.It is essential to archive the contracts properly.
- Vamos a almacenar estos documentos en la bodega.Let's archive these documents in the storage room.
- Puedes encontrar el expediente en el archivador amarillo.You can find the file in the yellow binder.
- Necesitas guardar estos documentos en un fichero electrónico.You need to archive these documents in an electronic file.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are organizing their digital files.
- SofíaMateo, ¿qué haces con esa carpeta?Mateo, what are you doing with that folder?
- MateoArchivo los proyectos del año pasado.I am archiving last year's projects.
- SofíaEs una buena idea para liberar espacio.It is a good idea to free up space.
- MateoSí, así los tendré guardados y organizados.Yes, that way I will have them saved and organized.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry archivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries archivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
