perforadora
/peɾfoɾadoɾa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English phrase hole puncher is translated as perforadora.
The term refers to a device used to create holes in sheets of paper.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the verb perforar (to perforate or to punch a hole) and the suffix -adora, which denotes a tool or machine that performs an action.
Which one should you use?
While perforadora is the most common term for the office tool, perforador is a valid masculine alternative used in some contexts or regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, perforadora is preceded by the feminine definite article la (la perforadora). The plural form is created by adding -s to the end: perforadoras.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾfoɾadoɾa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a hole puncher is called a perforadora, but in others, people use the term sacabocados to describe a tool that punches holes in leather or fabric.
- In a professional print shop, you might encounter the term troqueladora instead of perforadora if the machine is designed to cut specific shapes rather than just simple holes.
- Because the word is built from the verb perforar, it follows a pattern used for many machines and tools in Spanish, such as lavadora for a washing machine.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una perforadora de papel?Where can I find a hole puncher?
- Pásame la perforadora, por favorPass me the hole puncher, please
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar una perforadora de papel?Where can I buy a hole puncher?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta una perforadora?How much does a hole puncher cost?
- María estaba buscando una perforadora de papel para el proyecto escolar.María was looking for a hole puncher for the school project.
- Necesito una perforadora para los documentos.I need a hole puncher for the documents.
- Necesito una perforadora para mi carpeta.I need a hole puncher for my folder.
- ¿Dónde está la perforadora de la oficina?Where is the office hole puncher?
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in a shared workspace looking for stationery.
- Javier¿Sofía, tienes una perforadora?Sofía, do you have a hole puncher?
- SofíaSí, la tengo aquí en mi escritorio.Yes, I have it here on my desk.
- JavierGracias, necesito perforar estas hojas.Thanks, I need to punch these sheets.
- SofíaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perforadora, 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.
