papel
/paˈpel/
In Spanish, papel means paper.
Papel refers to the material known as paper. In a theatrical or metaphorical context, it also means a role or a part played by an actor or a person. The idiomatic expression papel mojado literally means wet paper, but it is used to describe something that is worthless.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word pliego is mainly used to refer to a larger sheet or piece of paper.
How does it change in a sentence?
Papel is a masculine noun. The definite article used is the masculine el (el papel). The plural form is papeles.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpel/
Did you know?
- The phrase hacer un papelón uses a derivative of papel to describe making a complete fool of oneself or causing a public scene.
- The Spanish word papel and the English word 'paper' are doublets, meaning they both evolved from the same Ancient Greek word pápuros.
- In some contexts, especially with documents, papeles refers to a person's official paperwork or identification. If a police officer asks for your papeles, they are asking for your ID or legal documents.
Examples in context
- La casa de papel es la mejor serie española.La Casa De Papel is the best Spanish series.This sentence uses papel to refer to the title of a Spanish series.Tatoeba #7548963 by MisterBrown, translation #7548940 by MisterBrown
- Guárdame el papelito hasta que vuelvaKeep the note for me until I come back
- Escribe en un pliego de papel tus objetivos personalesWrite your personal goals on a sheet of paper
- Necesito un papel para escribir mi nota.I need a piece of paper to write my note.
- El papel de la impresora se terminó.The printer paper has run out.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in the office.
- JavierElena, ¿tienes un trozo de papel?Elena, do you have a piece of paper?
- ElenaSí, Javier, aquí tienes uno.Yes, Javier, here is one.
- JavierGracias, solo necesito anotar un número.Thanks, I just need to write down a number.
- ElenaDe nada, no hay problema.You're welcome, no problem.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry papel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
