cartero
/kaɾˈteɾo/masculine
The English word mailman is cartero in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists trotero (disused) and repartidor postal.
Meaning: post office employee (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cartero | /kaɾˈteɾo/ | masculine |
| trotero (disused) | masculine | |
| repartidor postal | /repaɾtidoɾ postal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| estafetero | /estafeteɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| valijero | /baliˈxeɾo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a post office employee.
Which one should you use?
While cartero is the most common term for a mailman, repartidor postal is a more descriptive, formal term for a postal delivery person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of cartero is cartera, and the plural form is carteros.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾˈteɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish speaking regions, cartera does not only mean a female mail carrier, but is the common word for 'wallet' or 'handbag'.
- The word cartero shares a common ancestor with the English word 'chart', as both trace back to the Greek word for 'papyrus' or 'paper'.
- The term valijero refers specifically to a person who carries a 'valija' or suitcase, often used for much more specialized or heavy postal duties.
Examples in context
- ¿Ya ha venido el cartero?Has the mailman already come?This sentence is useful for asking if the mailman has arrived.Tatoeba #544295 by Shishir, translation #542040 by CK
- El perro ladró al cartero.The dog barked at the mailman.This sentence is useful for describing a dog barking at the mailman.Tatoeba #504455 by Shishir, translation #239129 by CK
- ¿A qué hora viene el cartero?What time does the mailman come?This sentence is useful for asking about the mailman's arrival time.Tatoeba #2259877 by cueyayotl, translation #2259876 by _undertoad
- El empleado de correos está entregando un paquete.The postal employee is delivering a package.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are waiting for a package at home.
- MaríaMira, creo que ya llegó el cartero.Look, I think the mailman has arrived.
- DanielEspero que traiga mi paquete hoy.I hope he brings my package today.
- MaríaEl cartero dejó una carta para ti.The mailman left a letter for you.
- DanielGracias, voy a revisarla ahora mismo.Thanks, I'm going to check it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mailman” translations and entries cartero, valijero, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cartero, postal, repartidor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
