carpeta de tres anillas
/kaɾpeta de tɾes aniʝas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "three ring binder" is translated into Spanish as carpeta de tres anillas.
A carpeta de tres anillas refers to a hard cover folder with three metal rings used to hold punched papers.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of carpeta (folder), de (of), tres (three) and anillas (small rings).
Which one should you use?
Using carpeta de tres anillos instead of anillas is also a common and correct way to refer to the binder.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, particularly Mexico, the word argollas is used instead of anillas to refer to the rings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the noun carpeta to carpetas. The rest of the phrase remains the same.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾpeta de tɾes aniʝas/
Did you know?
- The word carpeta may have evolved as a diminutive of carpa, meaning 'tent' or 'canopy'. This suggests the term for a folder originally described something that covers or shelters papers.
- If you use the word carpeta in a different context, it can also refer to a 'tent' or 'canopy' in certain Spanish dialects.
- Spanish uses the word carpeta for both a three ring binder and a simple manila folder. To specify the type of folder, a speaker must add a descriptive phrase like de tres anillas.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una carpeta de tres anillos?Where can I find a three ring binder?
- Necesito una carpeta de tres aros para organizar mis apuntes.I need a three ring binder to organize my notes.
- Necesito una carpeta de tres anillas nueva.I need a new three ring binder.
- ¿Dónde dejaste la carpeta de tres anillas?Where did you leave the three ring binder?
- Guarda esos papeles en la carpeta de tres anillas.Put those papers in the three ring binder.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are organizing their office supplies.
- SofíaMateo, ¿tienes mi carpeta de tres anillas?Mateo, do you have my three ring binder?
- MateoSí, la tengo sobre la mesa.Yes, I have it on the table.
- SofíaGracias, la necesito para la reunión.Thanks, I need it for the meeting.
- MateoDe nada, Sofía.You're welcome, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carpeta, de, tres, CC BY-SA 4.0.
