cartucho
/kaɾˈtut͡ʃo/masculine
The Spanish word for cartridge is cartucho. Wiktionary also lists cartucho de tinta and cartridge (kártrich).
Meaning: vessel which contains the ink for a computer printer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cartucho | /kaɾˈtut͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| cartucho de tinta | /kaɾtut͡ʃo de tinta/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cartridge (kártrich) | US, masculine |
A cartucho refers to a vessel that contains something, such as a cartridge for a printer. When specifically referring to an ink cartridge, the phrase cartucho de tinta is used. In very informal settings, people may simply use the word tinta as a synonym for the cartridge itself.
Which one should you use?
While cartucho is the general term for any type of cartridge, cartucho de tinta is the specific term for an ink cartridge. If you are referring to a laser printer that uses powder instead of liquid ink, you should use the term cartucho de tóner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the United States, the English term cartridge is sometimes used in Spanish-speaking contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cartucho is cartuchos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾˈtutʃo/
Did you know?
- Beyond printers, cartucho is the standard term for a shotgun shell or an ammunition cartridge. In a historical or military context, it refers to the paper tube that held the gunpowder and bullet.
- The Spanish word tinta is a cognate of the English word 'tint'. Both derive from the Latin tincta, meaning 'dyed'.
- In the United States, you will often hear Spanish speakers use the English word 'cartridge' but pronounce it with a Spanish accent as kártrich.
Examples in context
- Por favor sustituya el cartucho vacío de la impresora.Please replace the empty printer cartridge.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of cartucho when requesting a replacement for an empty printer cartridge.Tatoeba #1939904 by teskmon, translation #765924 by Dunbab
- Por favor reemplace el cartucho de tinta vacío de la impresora.Please replace the empty ink cartridge in the printer.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of cartucho in the context of an empty ink cartridge.Tatoeba #1618609 by teskmon, translation #481732 by Benjameno
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar cartuchos de impresora?Where can I buy printer cartridges?
- Necesito un recambio para mi impresoraI need a replacement cartridge for my printer
- Cambió la cápsula del cartucho de la grabadoraHe changed the cartridge's capsule in the tape recorder
- cartucho de tintaInk cartridge
- Necesito un cartucho Epson compatible con mi impresoraI need an Epson cartridge compatible with my printer
- Necesito comprar un cartucho nuevo para la impresora.I need to buy a new cartridge for the printer.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in their home office.
- JavierSofía, ¿sabes dónde está el cartucho negro?Sofía, do you know where the black cartridge is?
- SofíaCreo que lo dejé en el cajón.I think I left it in the drawer.
- JavierNo lo veo por ningún lado.I don't see it anywhere.
- SofíaDéjame buscarlo yo misma.Let me look for it myself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cartridge” translations and entries cartucho, 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 de, tinta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
