carteira
/kaʁˈte(j).ɾɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for wallet is carteira.
The word carteira refers to a physical case for keeping money, such as a wallet or a purse. It is also commonly used to refer to an identification card or a student ID.
Meaning: case for keeping money (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you are specifically referring to a driver's license, you should use the phrase carteira de motorista.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, carteira must be preceded by feminine articles, such as a (the) or uma (a).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /kaʁˈte(j).ɾɐ/.
Did you know?
- In a classroom setting, carteira does not refer to a wallet but to a student desk.
- In Brazil, the Carteira de Trabalho is a mandatory professional employment booklet that records a worker's entire official career history.
- If you are at a bank, a carteira might also refer to a 'portfolio' of investments or a collection of assets.
Examples in context
- Tom perdeu a carteira.Tom lost his wallet.This sentence is useful for describing someone losing their carteira.Tatoeba #1576887 by alexmarcelo, translation #1093241 by CK
- Cadê a minha carteira?Where's my wallet?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of one's carteira.Tatoeba #5049051 by Ricardo14, translation #2254656 by CK
- Qual é a sua carteira?What is your wallet?This sentence is useful for asking about someone else's carteira.Tatoeba #8208420 by josivangoncalves, translation #8208421 by josivangoncalves
- Eu sempre guardo meu dinheiro na minha carteira.I always keep my money in my wallet.
- Vou comprar uma bolsinha nova para guardar meus cartões.I'm going to buy a new little wallet to keep my cards.
- 146 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, Rodrigo realizes he cannot pay.
- RodrigoBeatriz, eu não acho a minha carteira.Beatriz, I can't find my wallet.
- BeatrizVocê deixou a carteira no carro, Rodrigo?Did you leave your wallet in the car, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoAcho que sim, esqueci a carteira lá.I think so, I forgot the wallet there.
- BeatrizNão tem problema, eu pago agora.No problem, I'll pay now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wallet” translations and entries carteira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
