estuche
/esˈtut͡ʃe/masculine
The English phrase "pencil case" is translated into Spanish as estuche. Wiktionary also lists estuche escolar and cartuchera.
Meaning: object purposed to contain stationery (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| estuche | /esˈtut͡ʃe/ | masculine |
| estuche escolar | /estut͡ʃe eskolaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cartuchera | /kaɾtuˈt͡ʃeɾa/ | feminine |
| plumier | /pluˈmjeɾ/ | masculine |
| portatodo | /poɾtatodo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to an object used to hold stationery. While estuche is a general term for a case or holder (such as those for musical instruments or tools), it is commonly used for a pencil case. The term portatodo is often used for a pouch or bag intended to hold various small items, which may include stationery.
Which one should you use?
estuche is the most general term for a case or holder. In contrast, cartuchera specifically refers to a pencil case in certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico, cartuchera is used to refer to a pencil case made of fabric or plastic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of estuche is estuches.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtutʃe/
Did you know?
- The word plumier comes from the Latin word plūma, which means 'down' or 'feather'. This is a nod to the days when people used quill pens made from bird feathers.
- Depending on the country, calling a pencil case a cartuchera or an estuche can immediately signal where the speaker is from, such as Mexico or Spain.
Examples in context
- El estuche está sobre la mesa.The pencil case is on the table.This sentence is useful for locating the estuche.Tatoeba #1730985 by marcelostockle, translation #1728504 by belgavox
- Tom está guardando sus bolígrafos en el estuche.Tom is putting his pens into the pencil case.This sentence shows how to use the estuche to store pens.Tatoeba #1668976 by marcelostockle, translation #1662776 by Amastan
- Necesito un estuche nuevo para la escuela.I need a new pencil case for school.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking for school supplies in a shop.
- María¿Dónde está mi estuche, Alejandro?Where is my pencil case, Alejandro?
- AlejandroCreo que lo dejaste en casa.I think you left it at home.
- MaríaEntonces compraré un estuche en esta tienda.Then I will buy a pencil case in this shop.
- AlejandroEse estuche azul es muy bonito.That blue pencil case is very pretty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil case” translations and entries estuche, estuche escolar, cartuchera, plumier, 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 cartuchera, escolar, estuche, plumier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
