baraja
/baˈɾaxa/feminine
The Spanish word for 'deck' (in the sense of a pack of playing cards) is baraja. Wiktionary also lists desencuadernado.
Meaning: pack of playing cards (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| baraja | /baˈɾaxa/ /baˈɾaʃa/ |
feminine |
| desencuadernado | /desenkwadeɾnado/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, uncommon |
baraja is used to refer to a deck of cards. It is common to use the phrase baraja de cartas to specify that the deck consists of playing cards, because baraja can also refer to a set of other items used for games.
Which one should you use?
While baraja refers to the deck itself, mazo is another common way to refer to a pack of cards.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈɾaxa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish deck often contains cards with symbols like 'coins', 'cups', 'swords', and 'clubs', which are quite different from the standard English suits.
- The term baraja can also be used figuratively in literature to describe a 'collection' or 'assortment' of diverse things, such as a 'baraja de ideas' (a collection of ideas).
- The baraja española traditionally consists of 40 or 48 cards, unlike the 52 cards found in a standard English deck.
Examples in context
- Estoy diseñando una baraja.I'm designing a deck of cards.This sentence shows how to use baraja when talking about designing a deck.Tatoeba #5442693 by Seael, translation #10056163 by espamatics
- El as de picas falta en esta baraja de cartas.The Ace of Spades is missing from this deck of cards.This sentence uses baraja to describe a missing card in a deck.Tatoeba #13009228 by Eremon, translation #6082882 by CK
- Los palos en una baraja de cartas estándar son tréboles, diamantes, corazones y picas.The suits in a standard deck of cards are clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades.This sentence uses baraja to discuss the suits found in a standard deck of cards.Tatoeba #5841547 by albrusgher, translation #3856330 by bobking12
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are getting ready to play a game at a cafe.
- Elena¿Tienes una baraja nueva?Do you have a new deck?
- MateoSí, traigo la baraja en mi mochila.Yes, I have the deck in my backpack.
- ElenaPerfecto, Mateo, vamos a jugar.Perfect, Mateo, let's play.
- Mateo¡Vale! Yo reparto primero.Okay! I will deal first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deck” translations and entries baraja, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
