cuaderno
/kwaˈdeɾno/masculine
The English word notebook is translated into Spanish as cuaderno. Wiktionary also lists libreta.
Meaning: empty book able to be used for notes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuaderno | /kwaˈdeɾno/ | masculine |
| libreta | /liˈbɾeta/ | feminine |
A notebook is an empty book that can be used for writing notes. In some Latin American countries, libreta refers to a smaller notebook used to take quick notes.
Which one should you use?
cuaderno is the standard term for a notebook, often implying a larger or more formal school/work notebook. In contrast, libreta often refers to a smaller, more portable notebook or a notepad.
How does it change in a sentence?
cuaderno is a masculine noun, so it uses the masculine article el (el cuaderno). Its plural form is cuadernos. libreta is a feminine noun, so it uses the feminine article la (la libreta). Its plural form is libretas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kwaˈdeɾno/
Did you know?
- While libreta refers to a notebook, the same word is often used in several Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a bank passbook or a savings account book.
- The word cuaderno is actually hiding a mathematical number. It stems from the Latin word 'quaternus', which means 'four each', referring to the way sheets of paper were folded into quarters.
- The term libreta shares a common root with the English word 'library' and 'libretto', as all derive from the Latin liber for 'book'.
Examples in context
- Este es mi cuaderno.This is my notebook.This sentence is useful for identifying a notebook using cuaderno.Tatoeba #1355616 by marcelostockle, translation #370564 by saeb
- ¿Es este tu cuaderno?Is this your notebook?This sentence is useful for asking if a notebook belongs to someone using cuaderno.Tatoeba #1436330 by marcelostockle, translation #1031212 by Brian255
- Perdí mi cuaderno hoy.I lost my notebook today.This sentence is useful for expressing that a notebook was lost using cuaderno.Tatoeba #2863923 by cueyayotl, translation #242488 by CK
- ¿Dónde está mi cuaderno?Where is my notebook?
- Siempre llevo mi cuadernito en el bolsilloI always carry my little notebook in my pocket.
- ¿Sabes dónde dejé mi libretita?Do you know where I left my little notebook?
- Recuerda tomar apuntes importantes en tu cuaderno durante la reunión.Remember to take important notes in your notebook during the meeting.
- Mi jefe siempre lleva su block de notas en su maletín.My boss always carries his notebook in his briefcase.
- Voy a comprar un cuadernito para anotar mis ideas.I'm going to buy a little notebook to jot down my ideas.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are in a library studying.
- María¿Tienes un cuaderno para prestarme?Do you have a notebook to lend me?
- AlejandroSí, tengo este cuaderno azul.Yes, I have this blue notebook.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro. Me servirá mucho.Thanks, Alejandro. It will be very useful.
- AlejandroDe nada, María. Suerte con tus notas.You're welcome, María. Good luck with your notes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “notebook” translations and entries cuaderno, libreta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuaderno, libreta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
