documento de identidad
/dokumento de identidad/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'id card' is translated into Spanish as documento de identidad.
An ID card refers to an official document used to prove a person's identity.
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to refer to an ID card depending on the desired level of formality and the specific country. While documento de identidad is a standard term, other specific forms exist such as Carné de Identidad, Tarjeta de Identificación and Cédula de Identidad.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The terms used can vary significantly by location. Carné de Identidad is used in Spain and some Latin American countries. Tarjeta de Identificación is commonly used throughout Latin America. Cédula de Identidad is a specific term used in several Latin American countries.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, the word cédula refers specifically to an ID card, but in Spain, a cédula often refers to a different type of official certificate or even a legal document for a person's arrest.
- The word documento shares its distant ancestry with the English word 'teach' through the Greek word διδάσκω, reflecting how a 'document' was originally something that 'shows' or 'teaches' the truth.
- While carné means 'ID card' in Spain, it is a loanword from the French 'carnet', which originally referred to a small notebook.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo ver su Documento de Identidad, por favor?Can I see your ID card, please?
- Perdí mi carnet. ¿Cómo puedo obtener uno nuevo?I lost my ID card. How can I get a new one?
- El DNI es necesario para realizar trámites oficiales.The ID card is necessary to carry out official procedures.
- ¿Sabes cuánto tiempo tarda en renovarse la Tarjeta de Identificación?Do you know how long it takes to renew the ID card?
- Por favor, muestre su documento de identidad.Please show your ID card.
- Necesito presentar mi documento de identidad.I need to present my id card.
- Olvidé mi documento de identidad en casa.I forgot my id card at home.
- El guardia pidió el documento de identidad.The guard asked for the id card.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at a government office.
- DanielHola, vengo a renovar mi documento de identidad.Hello, I've come to renew my ID card.
- MaríaHola, Daniel. ¿Traes el formulario completo?Hello, Daniel. Do you have the completed form?
- DanielSí, aquí tienes el papel y el documento.Yes, here are the paper and the ID card.
- MaríaPerfecto, María procesará tu solicitud ahora.Perfect, María will process your application now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, documento, identidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
