portafolio
/poɾtaˈfoljo/
The English phrase 'portfolio' is translated into Spanish as portafolio.
portafolio is used to describe a collection of assets. In a financial context, it specifically refers to a collection of investments or assets.
Meaning: collection of assets (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word portafolio is a compound of porta (to carry) and folio (sheet/page).
Which one should you use?
While portafolio is a standard term, cartera is a common alternative when referring specifically to a financial investment portfolio. To emphasize professional or work-related contents, you can use portafolios de trabajo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term carpeta is sometimes used instead of portafolio.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of portafolio is portafolios.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾtaˈfoljo/
Did you know?
- In a political context, a Spanish 'minister's portfolio' is referred to as a cartera, regardless of whether they carry a physical folder.
- The word folio comes from the Latin 'folium', meaning 'leaf', which is why Spanish uses it for both a page of paper and a leaf on a tree.
- The Spanish portafolio is a calque of the French portefeuille, meaning it was translated by mirroring the structure of the French word rather than being borrowed as a sound.
Examples in context
- Mi portafolio tiene muchas acciones tecnológicas.My portfolio has many technology stocks.
- Necesitas diversificar tu portafolio de inversión.You need to diversify your investment portfolio.
- El portafolio de la empresa es muy estable.The company's portfolio is very stable.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing their financial planning.
- Sofía¿Cómo va tu portafolio de inversión?How is your investment portfolio doing?
- AlejandroEstá creciendo bastante bien este año.It is growing quite well this year.
- SofíaDeberías revisar tu portafolio con un experto.You should review your portfolio with an expert.
- AlejandroTienes razón, lo haré pronto.You are right, I will do it soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry portafolio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries portafolio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
