cartas del tarot
/kaɾtas del taɾot/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tarot cards" is translated into Spanish as cartas del tarot.
cartas del tarot refers to the individual cards used for fortune-telling or spiritual guidance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cartas (cards), del (of the) and tarot (tarot).
Which one should you use?
While cartas del tarot refers to the cards themselves, you can use la baraja del tarot to refer specifically to the entire deck or pack. Additionally, Spanish speakers often simplify the term by referring to the practice or the deck simply as el tarot.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term las cartas del tarot is widely used.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾtas del taɾot/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the standard playing deck called la baraja española is actually a descendant of early tarot decks, but it lacks the major arcana cards used for divination.
- Spanish speakers use the word palo to describe a suit of cards, which literally translates to 'stick' or 'club'.
- If you ask a stranger in a café to leer las cartas, they might hand you a letter from a friend rather than predict your future. This is because cartas is the standard word for 'letters' sent by mail.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes leerme las cartas del tarot?Can you read me the tarot cards?
- Anoche estuve mirando una baraja de tarot muy interesante.Last night I was looking at a very interesting tarot deck.
- Compré unos naipes de tarot en la tienda de esoterismo.I bought some tarot cards at the occult shop.
- Ella compró unas cartas del tarot nuevas.She bought some new tarot cards.
- ¿Dónde guardas las cartas del tarot?Where do you keep the tarot cards?
- Él estudia el significado de las cartas del tarot.He studies the meaning of the tarot cards.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are in a bookstore looking at magic items.
- Sofía¿Venden cartas del tarot aquí?Do they sell tarot cards here?
- JavierSí, las cartas del tarot están en esa mesa.Yes, the tarot cards are on that table.
- SofíaJavier, mira qué cartas del tarot tan bonitas.Javier, look at such beautiful tarot cards.
- JavierSon muy interesantes, Sofía.They are very interesting, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
