código postal
/ˌkodiɡo posˈtal/masculine
The English phrase "zip code" is translated into Spanish as código postal.
código postal refers to a postal code, such as the ZIP code used in the United States.
Meaning: US postal code (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of código (code) and postal (postal).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so it is preceded by the masculine article el when saying "the zip code" (el código postal).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkodiɡo posˈtal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly translate "zip code" literally as "código de zona". Instead, use the standard term código postal.
Did you know?
- The word código shares a common ancestor with the English 'code', both tracing back to the Latin word 'caudex', which originally meant a 'trunk' or 'block of wood'.
- In many Latin American countries, people may refer to their specific neighborhood or district when giving an address, sometimes treating the 'código postal' as a secondary piece of information.
- Depending on the region, a person might ask for your CP, which is the common written abbreviation for código postal used on forms and in digital addresses.
Examples in context
- Debes poner el código postal correcto.You have to write the correct zip code.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say you must provide the correct código postal.Tatoeba #6667504 by arh, translation #9706096 by DJ_Saidez
- Pregunta en correos cuál es nuestro nuevo código postal.Go to the post office and ask what's our new ZIP code.This sentence shows how to ask about a new código postal at the post office.Tatoeba #6667554 by arh, translation #9193471 by DJ_Saidez
- En el mundo de hoy, tenemos que equipar a todos nuestros niños con una educación que los prepare para el éxito, sin importar cómo son, o cuánto ganan sus padres, o el código postal en el que viven.In today's world, we have to equip all our kids with an education that prepares them for success, regardless of what they look like, or how much their parents make, or the zip code that they live in.This sentence uses código postal in a broader context regarding where people live.Tatoeba #8303527 by GuidoW, translation #3924477 by BHO
- ¿Cuál es el código postal?What is the zip code?
Example conversation
Lucía is helping Alejandro fill out a form online.
- Lucía¿Sabes cuál es el código postal de tu casa?Do you know what your house zip code is?
- AlejandroNo estoy seguro, déjame buscarlo.I'm not sure, let me look it up.
- LucíaEs necesario para completar el registro.It is necessary to complete the registration.
- AlejandroYa lo encontré, es el 28001.I found it, it is 28001.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zip code” translations and entries código postal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries código, postal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
