Cartagena
/kaɾtaˈxena/feminine
Cartagena is the Spanish name for the city in Colombia. Wiktionary also lists Cartagena de Indias.
Meaning: city in Colombia (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cartagena | /kaɾtaˈxena/ | feminine |
| Cartagena de Indias | /kaɾtaˌxena de ˈindjas/ | feminine |
Cartagena refers to the coastal city in Colombia. It is a feminine noun.
Which one should you use?
Cartagena de Indias is the full, formal name of the city, whereas Cartagena is the common, shortened version used in everyday speech.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾtaˈxena/
Did you know?
- The name Cartagena is a linguistic relative of the English word 'Carthage', as both derive from the Punic words for 'New City'.
- Due to its history as a strategic Caribbean port, Cartagena is often referred to as 'La Heroica' (The Heroic One) in Spanish.
- The formal name Cartagena de Indias uses Indias in the plural, referring to the 'West Indies' rather than the modern country of India.
Examples in context
- Cartagena es una ciudad muy hermosa.Cartagena is a very beautiful city.
- Mañana voy a viajar a Cartagena.Tomorrow I am going to travel to Cartagena.
- Ella vive en Cartagena desde hace años.She has lived in Cartagena for years.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing travel plans at a cafe.
- Javier¿Quieres ir a Cartagena este verano?Do you want to go to Cartagena this summer?
- LucíaSí, me encanta Cartagena.Yes, I love Cartagena.
- JavierEs un plan fantástico para nosotros.It is a fantastic plan for us.
- LucíaEntonces, buscaremos los vuelos hoy.Then, we will look for flights today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cartagena” translations and entries Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cartagena, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
