carpeta
/kaɾˈpeta/feminine
The Spanish word for binder is carpeta. Wiktionary also lists archivador and bibliorato.
Meaning: cover or holder for unbound papers, pages etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carpeta | /kaɾˈpeta/ | feminine |
| archivador | /aɾt͡ʃibaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| bibliorato | /bibljoɾato/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cartapacio | /kaɾtaˈpaθjo/ /kaɾtaˈpasjo/ |
masculine |
A binder is a cover or holder used for unbound papers and pages.
Which one should you use?
carpeta is the most common term for a general folder or a binder used for organizing papers. In contrast, archivador often refers to a larger binder used for filing or a filing cabinet itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Central America and the Caribbean, cartapacio is the term used for a folder or a document holder.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of carpeta is carpetas, and the plural form of archivador is archivadores.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾˈpeta/
Did you know?
- The term bibliorato is specifically used in Argentina and Uruguay to describe a heavy-duty lever-arch binder.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word carpa refers to a 'tent' or 'canopy', making the term carpeta sound like a diminutive way of describing a small tent.
- In the digital age, the word carpeta is used for a computer 'folder' as well as a physical binder.
Examples in context
- Yo uso un archivador para todas las asignaturas en lugar de un cuaderno para cada una.I use a three-ring binder for all my subjects instead of a notebook for each one.This sentence shows how one might use an archivador for school subjects instead of individual notebooks.Tatoeba #1754571 by Shishir, translation #2510879 by Dejo
- Una carpeta es un objeto esencial para mantener tus documentos organizados.A binder is an essential object to keep your documents organized.
- Un archivador es perfecto para guardar tus papeles y mantenerlos en orden.A binder is perfect for storing your papers and keeping them organized.
- ¡No olvides traer tu carpeta de argollas a la escuela mañana!Don't forget to bring your binder to school tomorrow!
- Siempre llevo mi fólder conmigo para tomar apuntes durante las clases.I always carry my binder with me to take notes during class.
- Necesito una carpeta nueva para mis notas.I need a new binder for my notes.
- ¿Dónde pusiste la carpeta azul?Where did you put the blue binder?
Example conversation
At an office desk.
- SofíaJavier, ¿tienes mi carpeta?Javier, do you have my binder?
- JavierSí, la tengo sobre el escritorio.Yes, I have it on the desk.
- SofíaGracias, la necesito para la reunión.Thanks, I need it for the meeting.
- JavierDe nada, Sofía.You're welcome, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “binder” translations and entries carpeta, archivador, cartapacio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries archivador, carpeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
