papel
/paˈpel/masculine
The English phrase "piece of paper" is translated into Spanish as papel. Wiktionary also lists papelito and hoja.
Meaning: sheet or scrap of paper (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papel | /paˈpel/ | masculine |
| papelito | /papeˈlito/ | masculine |
| hoja | /ˈoxa/ | feminine |
Spanish uses different words depending on whether you are referring to the material itself, a single sheet or a small scrap.
Which one should you use?
While papel refers generally to the material, the phrase hoja de papel specifically refers to a single sheet of paper. You can also use una hoja to mean a sheet, which is common in office or school settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase un cachito de papel is used to refer to a small piece of paper.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a piece or fragment of paper, use the noun trozo or pedazo followed by de papel. The diminutive form papelito is often used to refer to a small scrap of paper or to sound more endearing or informal.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpel/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, papel is used to describe a person's acting role in a play or film, similar to the English phrase 'playing a part'.
- The word papel comes from the Greek word for 'papyrus', linking every modern piece of paper to the ancient Egyptian plant.
- While papel refers to the substance, if you ask for 'un papel' in some contexts, you might be asking for a cigarette or a small note rather than a blank sheet.
Examples in context
- Dame un trozo de papel.Give me a piece of paper.This sentence is useful for asking someone to give you a piece of paper using papel.Tatoeba #1737370 by marcelostockle, translation #263355 by CK
- Aquí hay un pedazo de papel.Here's a piece of paper.This sentence is useful for stating that a piece of paper is present using papel.Tatoeba #5003758 by DarkHollow, translation #3735596 by CK
- Ella le dio un trozo de papel.She gave him a piece of paper.This sentence is useful for describing someone giving a piece of paper using papel.Tatoeba #1425728 by marcelostockle, translation #887135 by CK
- ¿Puedes pasar un trozo de papel para que pueda anotar algo?Can you pass me a piece of paper so I can write something down?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are in an office.
- Javier¿Tienes un papel para anotar esto?Do you have a piece of paper to note this down?
- LucíaSí, tengo un papel en mi bolso.Yes, I have a piece of paper in my bag.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, me salvas la vida.Thanks, Lucía, you saved my life.
- LucíaDe nada, Javier, no hay de qué.You're welcome, Javier, don't mention it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “piece of paper” translations and entries papel, papelito, hoja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoja, papel, papelito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
