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carpeta

kar-PEH-tah/kaɾˈpeta/

folder

Also: binder, file
NounfA1
Mexico & Latin AmericaPeru
A bright yellow manila folder standing slightly open on a solid blue background.

📝 In Action

Tengo todos mis dibujos en una carpeta azul.

A1

I have all my drawings in a blue folder.

Haz clic derecho para crear una carpeta nueva en el escritorio.

A2

Right-click to create a new folder on the desktop.

La secretaria organizó la carpeta con los documentos del contrato.

B1

The secretary organized the folder with the contract documents.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • archivador (filing cabinet/binder)
  • fólder (folder (common in Latin America))

Common Collocations

  • carpeta de archivos – file folder
  • crear una carpeta – to create a folder
  • carpeta compartida – shared folder

Idioms & Expressions

  • dar carpetazo – to shelve a project or suddenly stop dealing with a matter

desk pad

Also: table cover
NounfB2
A large rectangular leather desk pad lying flat on a wooden surface with a single pen resting on top.

📝 In Action

El escritorio antiguo tenía una carpeta de cuero verde.

B2

The antique desk had a green leather desk pad.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tapete (mat/small rug)

Common Collocations

  • carpeta de escritorio – desk blotter

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "carpeta" in Spanish:

binder→desk pad→file→folder→table cover→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: carpeta

Question 1 of 3

If you want to create a new place for your Word documents on your computer, what do you create?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
encarpetar(to file or put in a folder) — Verb
carpetazo(a decision to close a case or shelf a project) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Latin word 'carpere' (to pluck or tear), leading to 'carpita' (shredded wool or rag), which was used to make coarse cloth covers for tables and eventually for organizing documents.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: carpetteEnglish: carpet

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'carpet' in Spanish if it's not 'carpeta'?

You should use the word 'alfombra'. Remember: 'Carpeta' holds papers, 'Alfombra' holds your feet!

Is 'carpeta' used for a three-ring binder?

Yes, it is often used for any kind of folder or binder that holds papers, though 'archivador' is a more specific word for a large binder.

Does 'carpeta' change for boys and girls?

No, 'carpeta' is a noun with a fixed gender. It is always feminine ('la carpeta'), regardless of who is using it.