sobre
/ˈsobɾe/masculine
The Spanish word for envelope is sobre. Wiktionary also lists envelop and sobrescrito.
Meaning: wrapper for mailing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sobre | /ˈsobɾe/ | masculine |
| envelop | /embelop/ (from spelling rules) | US, masculine |
| sobrescrito | /sobɾesˈkɾito/ | masculine |
The word sobre refers to a wrapper used for mailing letters. Depending on the context, sobre can also function as a preposition meaning 'on', 'about' or 'over'.
Which one should you use?
While sobre is the standard term, envelop is a masculine form used in the United States. Sobrescrito is another masculine form provided.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form sobre is a masculine noun. The form envelop is also masculine and is used in the US.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsobɾe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the verb envolver (to wrap) to try to create a noun for envelope. However, the correct noun is sobre.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American legal contexts, sobre is used in the phrase sobreseimiento, which refers to the dismissal of a case or the staying of proceedings.
- The Spanish word sobre shares the same Latin root as the English word 'super', both originating from the concept of being 'above' something.
- While sobre is the standard noun, using the word envelop in some Spanish-speaking regions is considered an anglicism and may be viewed as incorrect by linguistic purists.
Examples in context
- Él rasgó el sobre.He ripped the envelope open.This sentence shows the action of ripping open a sobre.Tatoeba #1712484 by marcelostockle, translation #303426 by CK
- Tom abrió el sobre.Tom opened the envelope.This sentence shows the action of opening a sobre.Tatoeba #4798079 by Shishir, translation #4501287 by CK
- ¿Qué hay en el sobre?What's in the envelope?This sentence is useful for asking about the contents of a sobre.Tatoeba #3029957 by hayastan, translation #2645645 by CK
- Necesito un sobre para enviar esta cartaI need an envelope to send this letter
- ¿Me pasas un sobrecito, por favor?Could you pass me an envelope, please?
- Dame uno o dos sobresitos para las muestrasGive me one or two small envelopes for the samples
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in an office preparing mail.
- SofíaNecesito un sobre para esta carta.I need an envelope for this letter.
- DanielTengo uno sobre la mesa.I have one on the table.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel. ¿Tienes pegamento?Thanks, Daniel. Do you have glue?
- DanielSí, está en el cajón.Yes, it is in the drawer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “envelope” translations and entries sobre, envelop, sobrescrito, 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 envelop, sobre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
