fichas
/fit͡ʃas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "index cards" is translated into Spanish as fichas.
fichas refers to small, stiff pieces of paper used for taking notes or organizing information. Depending on the context, the word can also mean game pieces, such as poker chips or tokens. If you are specifically talking about cards used for memorization or studying, you should use the phrase fichas de estudio.
Which one should you use?
While fichas is the general term, you may encounter more specific variations. fichas bibliográficas is used specifically for bibliographic index cards. For a more casual tone, you can use the diminutive fichitas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is ficha.
How do you pronounce it?
/fitʃas/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word ficha is used to describe a person who is a 'character' or a bit of a rogue, often seen in the phrase ser una ficha.
- In the world of sports, a ficha can refer to an athlete's registration or a player's official transfer to a new team. When a club 'ficha a un jugador', they are officially signing him to the roster.
- In some contexts, the verb fichar is used to describe the act of clocking in or out at work. This comes from the idea of marking one's presence on a card, or 'ficha', to record working hours.
Examples in context
- Antes de comenzar mi investigación, tuve que crear fichas bibliográficas para registrar la información esencial de cada fuente.Before starting my research, I had to create index cards to record essential information from each source.
- Hoy repasé mis fichitas de estudio para el examen y estoy seguro de que me irá bien.Today, I reviewed my index cards for the exam, and I'm confident I will do well.
- Me gustaría llevar unas tarjetitas con preguntas para hacer más dinámica la presentación.I would like to bring some index cards with questions to make the presentation more dynamic.
- Necesito unas fichas para estudiar.I need some index cards to study.
- Escribe la palabra en las fichas.Write the word on the index cards.
- Tengo muchas fichas con notas importantes.I have many index cards with important notes.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are studying together in the library.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿tienes algunas fichas?María, do you have some index cards?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, tengo unas en mi mochila.Yes, Alejandro, I have some in my backpack.
- AlejandroGenial, préstame unas cuantas, por favor.Great, lend me a few, please.
- MaríaClaro, aquí tienes las fichas.Sure, here are the index cards.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
