cartera
/kaɾˈteɾa/feminine
The Spanish word for wallet is cartera. Wiktionary also lists billetera.
Meaning: case for keeping money (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cartera | /kaɾˈteɾa/ | feminine |
| billetera | /biʝeˈteɾa/ | feminine |
Both cartera and billetera are used to describe a case for keeping money.
What does it mean word for word?
The word billetera is derived from billete, which means a banknote or bill.
Which one should you use?
While both mean wallet, cartera is a more general term that can also refer to a briefcase or a handbag in certain contexts. In contrast, billetera specifically refers to a small case for holding bills and cards.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cartera is frequently used to refer to a wallet. In many Latin American countries, billetera is the most common term for a small, personal wallet.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both cartera and billetera are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾˈteɾa/
Did you know?
- The term cartera is also used in business to describe a 'portfolio' of investments or clients. This usage is an abstract extension of the idea of a folder or case.
- The word cartera shares the same root as the English word 'chart'. Both come from the Greek khártēs, which referred to a leaf of papyrus used for writing.
- In Spanish, the suffix -era is a versatile tool used to turn an object into the name of the container that holds it.
Examples in context
- Me robó la cartera.He stole my wallet.This sentence is useful for describing someone stealing your cartera.Tatoeba #2857660 by Besatnias, translation #392143 by CH
- ¿Es ésta tu cartera?Is this your wallet?This sentence is useful for asking if a cartera belongs to someone.Tatoeba #6602245 by arh, translation #6602144 by CK
- Esta es mi billetera.This is my wallet.This sentence is useful for identifying your billetera.Tatoeba #13365169 by Lernema, translation #13364992 by Igider
- Disculpe, ¿me podría prestar su billetera?Excuse me, could you lend me your wallet?
- He perdido mi billetera, ¿puedes prestarme algo de dinero?I lost my wallet, can you lend me some money?
- Compra lo que quieras, tengo mi cartera llena hoyBuy whatever you want, I have a full wallet today
- 142 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are getting ready to leave the house.
- Alejandro¿Dónde dejaste mi cartera, Sofía?Where did you leave my wallet, Sofía?
- SofíaEstá sobre la mesa del comedor.It is on the dining table.
- AlejandroNo veo mi cartera allí.I don't see my wallet there.
- SofíaMira detrás del plato, Alejandro.Look behind the plate, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wallet” translations and entries cartera, billetera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries billetera, cartera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
