carnet
/kaɾˈnet/masculine
In Spanish, 'id' can be translated as carnet, carné or cédula.
Meaning: identification or identity documentation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carnet | /kaɾˈnet/ | masculine |
| carné | /kaɾˈne/ | masculine |
| cédula | /ˈθedula/ /ˈsedula/ |
feminine |
The word carné is typically used for specific types of identification, such as a student ID or a membership card.
Which one should you use?
The masculine nouns carnet and carné are used for specific ID cards like student or membership cards. For a more formal way to say ID, you can use the phrases cédula de identidad or documento de identidad.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term cédula is commonly used in several Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Costa Rica, to refer to a national identity card.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both carnet and carné are masculine nouns, while cédula is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾˈnet/
Did you know?
- The word cédula comes from the Medieval Latin cedula, which is a diminutive form of scheda, meaning a 'small strip of papyrus'.
- Because carnet comes from French, it follows a pattern of many Spanish words related to administration and bureaucracy that entered the language via French.
- In several Latin American countries, the cédula number is used as a primary social identifier for everything from opening a bank account to picking up a package.
Examples in context
- Lleva tu carné de estudiante.Bring your student ID.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of carné.Tatoeba #2242182 by ildefonk, translation #1435670 by CK
- ¡Trae tu carnet de estudiante!Bring your student ID!This sentence is useful for practicing the use of carnet.Tatoeba #1071971 by Shishir, translation #1068776 by CE
- Sí, tengo carné de estudiante.Yes, I have student ID.Tatoeba #9980559 by manufrutos, translation #7770316 by sharris123
- ¿Puede mostrar su cédula de identidad, por favor?Could you show your ID, please?
- Necesito verificar su documento de identidad para completar el proceso.I need to verify your ID to complete the process.
- No puedo entrar al club sin mi carné de identidad.I can't enter the club without my ID card.
- Olvidé mi documento de identificación en casa.I forgot my ID at home.
- ¿Tenés la chapa encima? Me pidieron identificación.Do you have your ID on you? They asked for identification.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a registration desk for a local event.
- MaríaHola, ¿me puede dar su nombre?Hello, can you give me your name?
- JavierSoy Javier, aquí tiene mi carnet.I am Javier, here is my ID.
- MaríaGracias, Javier. Todo está correcto.Thank you, Javier. Everything is correct.
- JavierPerfecto, muchas gracias.Perfect, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “id” translations and entries carnet, carné, cédula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carné, cédula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
