cuaderno
/kwaˈdeɾno/
The Spanish word cuaderno means notebook.
cuaderno refers to a book with blank pages used for writing notes.
Which one should you use?
While cuaderno refers to a notebook, libreta is often used for smaller, pocket-sized notebooks or pads.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, cuaderno is the most frequently used term for a notebook, whereas in Mexico, libreta is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cuaderno is cuadernos. Note that cuaderno is a masculine noun and does not have a feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwaˈdeɾno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use cuaderna, as cuaderno is a masculine noun and has no feminine form.
Did you know?
- The word cuaderno is a distant relative of the English word 'quarter', both sharing a root that refers to the number 'four'.
- In historical Spanish accounting, a cuaderno was not just for notes but served as a formal ledger used to record taxes and land ownership.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, cuaderno can refer to a specific 'chapter' or 'installment' of a long story or a series of pamphlets.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tráigame una libreta para tomar notas durante la reunión.Please bring me a notebook to take notes during the meeting.
- Mamá, ¿dónde está mi cuadernito de dibujar?Mom, where is my little drawing notebook?
- ¡Qué linda libretita! ¿Me prestas un papelito?What a cute little notebook! Could you lend me a piece of paper?
- Necesito un cuaderno nuevo para la clase de español.I need a new notebook for Spanish class.
- Necesito un cuaderno nuevo para la clase.I need a new notebook for class.
- ¿Tienes un cuaderno para prestarme?Do you have a notebook to lend me?
- Escribí todo en mi cuaderno.I wrote everything in my notebook.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are in a classroom.
- LucíaMateo, ¿tienes un cuaderno extra?Mateo, do you have an extra notebook?
- MateoSí, tengo uno en mi mochila.Yes, I have one in my backpack.
- LucíaGracias, olvidé mi cuaderno en casa.Thanks, I forgot my notebook at home.
- MateoNo hay problema, Lucía.No problem, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuaderno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuaderno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
