tarjeta
/taɾˈxeta/feminine
The English word card translates to Spanish as tarjeta or carta.
Meaning: flat, normally rectangular piece of stiff paper, plastic etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tarjeta | /taɾˈxeta/ | feminine |
| carta | /ˈkaɾta/ | feminine |
Which one should you use?
Use tarjeta for physical objects such as credit cards, ID cards or business cards. Use carta to refer to a written letter sent through the mail or a restaurant menu.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word plástico is used informally to refer to a credit card.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both tarjeta and carta are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/taɾˈxeta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using carta when you mean a credit card or a business card. In these cases, tarjeta is the correct term.
Did you know?
- The English word 'target' and the Spanish word tarjeta share a common linguistic ancestor, related to the idea of a small shield or disc.
- If you are in a restaurant in Spain, you should ask for la carta to see the food options, whereas el menú often refers specifically to a fixed-price daily special.
- When playing card games, Spanish speakers use carta to refer to the individual playing cards, rather than tarjeta.
Examples in context
- Aquí está mi tarjeta.Here's my card.This sentence is useful for identifying the location of your tarjeta.Tatoeba #1279968 by marcelostockle, translation #56192 by CK
- Mi tarjeta está cargada.My card is charged.This sentence is useful for describing the status of a tarjeta.Tatoeba #12987655 by Alejandr0, translation #2137611 by Dusaniela
- Esta carta no es para ti.This card is not for you.This sentence is useful for clarifying the recipient of a carta.Tatoeba #6816476 by arh, translation #8056733 by jameslin011
- Tarjeta de visitaBusiness Card
- Tengo una nueva tarjeta de visita.I have a new business card.
- Él perdió su tarjeta de crédito.He lost his credit card.
- Necesito la tarjeta.I need the card.
- Me dio una tarjeta.He gave me a card.
- Compré una tarjeta de membresía.I bought a membership card.
- Ella me envió una tarjeta postal.She sent me a postcard.
- Bryan me dio una tarjeta de cumpleaños.Bryan gave me a birthday card.
- Voy a comprar una tarjeta de regalo para mi mamá.I'm going to buy a gift card for my mom.
- Julia lleva sus tarjetas de crédito en su billetera.Julia carries her credit cards in her wallet.
- 108 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at a shop looking at gifts.
- Mateo¿Te gusta esta tarjeta para ella?Do you like this card for her?
- LucíaSí, es una tarjeta muy bonita.Yes, it is a very pretty card.
- MateoPerfecto, la llevaré a la caja.Perfect, I will take it to the register.
- LucíaNo olvides la tarjeta de regalo.Don't forget the gift card.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “card” translations and entries tarjeta, carta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, tarjeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
