papeles
/paˈpeles/
The English phrase 'papers' is translated into Spanish as papeles.
papeles refers to a collection of documents. In legal or administrative contexts, it is commonly used to refer to official paperwork or identification documents.
Meaning: collection of documents (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
papeles is the plural form of papel, which means 'paper'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the word trámites is used to refer to paperwork or procedures.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form papel refers to a single sheet of paper or the material itself, whereas papeles is the plural form used for a collection of documents.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpeles/
Did you know?
- The word papel is also the root for the Spanish word for 'role' or 'part' in a play, meaning that 'el papel de la película' refers to a character's part rather than a physical piece of paper.
- The term papeles can be used as a figurative euphemism for the legal documents required to finalize a divorce or separation.
- While papeles translates to 'papers', using it with police can sound imprecise or overly informal, making documentos the preferred term in official encounters.
Examples in context
- Se volaron los papeles.The papers got blown away.This sentence shows how papeles can be blown away by the wind.Tatoeba #1692213 by Shishir, translation #477213 by CM
- Sami firmó los papeles.Sami signed the papers.This sentence demonstrates using papeles in the context of signing documents.Tatoeba #13696710 by Seael, translation #6365957 by OsoHombre
- ¿Dónde están tus papeles?Where are your papers?This sentence is a way to ask about the location of someone's papeles.Tatoeba #3760646 by marcelostockle, translation #2646185 by CK
- Necesito revisar los documentos antes de tomar una decisión.I need to review the papers before making a decision.
- Por favor, lleve sus papeles para completar el proceso.Please bring your papers to complete the process.
- El expediente del paciente se encuentra en la segunda planta.The patient's file is located on the second floor.
- Tengo mucho papeleo que hacer antes de irme de vacaciones.I have a lot of paperwork to do before going on vacation.
- Es necesario realizar los trámites para obtener la visa.It is necessary to carry out the paperwork to obtain the visa.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is looking for some documents in the office.
- María¿Has visto mis papeles, Mateo?Have you seen my papers, Mateo?
- MateoEstán sobre la mesa, María.They are on the table, María.
- MaríaGracias, los necesitaba para ahora.Thanks, I needed them for right now.
- MateoDe nada, suerte con tu trabajo.You're welcome, good luck with your work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry papeles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
