cartuchera
/kaɾtuˈt͡ʃeɾa/
The English phrase "pencil box" is translated into Spanish as cartuchera.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cartuchera is derived from cartucho, meaning cartridge or tube, which implies a container or pouch for holding items.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Colombia and Peru, cartuchera is the standard term. In Spain, the word estuche is more commonly used to refer to a pencil box or a small case for stationery.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine and is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la cartuchera). To make the word plural, add -s to form cartucheras.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾtuˈtʃeɾa/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the term cartuchera can also refer to a holster for a cartridge belt or a small pouch used by soldiers. This dual meaning reflects the historical transition of the word from military gear to school supplies.
- The suffix -era in cartuchera is a common Spanish pattern used to name containers, such as salera for a salt shaker or azucarera for a sugar bowl.
- In Spain, the word estuche is used for a pencil box, but it also describes the hard cases used for jewelry, eyeglasses and medals.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde está mi caja de lápices?Where is my pencil box?
- ¿Me prestas tu estuche de lápices?Can you lend me your pencil case?
- ¿Tienes una lapicera que pueda usar?Do you have a pencil box I can use?
- Mi cartuchera es de color azul.My pencil box is blue.
- Necesito comprar una cartuchera nueva.I need to buy a new pencil box.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are organizing their school supplies.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿has visto mi cartuchera?Lucía, have you seen my pencil box?
- LucíaNo, no la he visto.No, I haven't seen it.
- AlejandroTal vez está en mi mochila.Maybe it is in my backpack.
- LucíaBusca bien, Alejandro.Look carefully, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cartuchera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
