archivo
/ar-CHEE-voh/
file
Archivo, when used as a noun, refers to a file or record.
archivo(noun)
file
?digital document or physical record
,archive
?place where historical documents are stored
folder
?digital container for files
,record office
?official building for documents
📝 In Action
Guarda el archivo en la nube, por favor.
A1Save the file in the cloud, please.
El archivo de la universidad tiene documentos de hace cien años.
B1The university archive has documents from a hundred years ago.
Este archivo PDF está dañado.
A2This PDF file is damaged.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'archivo' is always masculine, so you use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el archivo' (the file).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Archivo' and 'Carpeta'
Mistake: "Using 'carpeta' when you mean a single digital document."
Correction: 'Carpeta' is the container (folder); 'archivo' is the item inside (file).
⭐ Usage Tips
Digital vs. Physical
This word works for both. Whether it's a digital document on your screen or a physical box of records in a basement, it's 'el archivo'.
As a verb, archivo means 'to file' or put documents in order.
archivo(verb)
to file
?to put documents in order
,to archive
?to store for later use
to shelve
?to postpone or set aside a project
📝 In Action
Yo archivo todos los documentos al final del día.
B1I file all the documents at the end of the day.
Decidieron archivar el caso por falta de pruebas.
C1They decided to shelve (or close) the case due to lack of evidence.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
'Archivar' follows the simplest conjugation pattern for Spanish verbs. Once you know how to conjugate 'hablar' (to talk), you know 'archivar'!
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Yo' Form
Notice that the first person singular form ('Yo archivo' - I file) is spelled exactly the same as the noun ('el archivo' - the file). Context tells you which one is being used.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: archivo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'archivo' as a verb?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'archivo' means 'file' (noun) or 'I file' (verb)?
Context is key! If 'archivo' is preceded by 'el,' 'un,' or 'este' (like 'el archivo'), it's the noun. If it's preceded by 'Yo' (I) or is the main action in the sentence, it's the verb form.
Is 'archivo' used for digital files or just physical ones?
It is used for both equally! It is the standard Spanish term for any digital file (PDF, Word document, photo, etc.) as well as physical collections of records.