portapapeles
/ˌpoɾtapaˈpeles/masculine
The English word 'clipboard' is translated into Spanish as portapapeles.
The term portapapeles is used to refer to both the physical object used to hold papers and the digital clipboard function in computing.
Meaning: physical object (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of porta (carries) and papeles (papers).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is used with the masculine article el. Notably, portapapeles is invariant in form, meaning it remains the same whether you are referring to one clipboard or multiple clipboards.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpoɾtapaˈpeles/
Did you know?
- While portapapeles is the standard term, people in Mexico often use the anglicism clip or tabla con clip to describe the physical object.
- The construction of portapapeles follows a pattern where the verb 'to carry' is combined with the object, similar to portavasos for a 'cup holder'.
- The word papeles is the plural of papel, but in many Spanish-speaking countries, if you refer to 'papeles' in a legal context, you are talking about 'documents' or 'papers' rather than loose sheets of paper.
Examples in context
- No te olvides de llevar la tabla para anotar nuestras ideas.Don't forget to bring the clipboard to jot down our ideas.
- El portapapeles es de color azul.The clipboard is blue.
- Necesito un portapapeles nuevo para la oficina.I need a new clipboard for the office.
- Deja el portapapeles sobre la mesa.Leave the clipboard on the table.
Example conversation
A woman is helping a man organize his supplies.
- Javier¿Dónde dejaste el portapapeles, María?Where did you leave the clipboard, María?
- MaríaEstá en el estante de Javier.It is on Javier's shelf.
- JavierGracias por ayudarme con esto.Thanks for helping me with this.
- MaríaDe nada, siempre es un placer.You're welcome, it's always a pleasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clipboard” translations and entries portapapeles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
