cartel
“cartel” means “poster” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
poster, sign
Also: billboard, placard
📝 In Action
Pusimos un cartel en la ventana anunciando la venta.
A1We put a poster in the window announcing the sale.
El cartel de la película es muy llamativo.
A2The movie poster is very eye-catching.
Sigue el cartel que indica la salida de emergencia.
A2Follow the sign that indicates the emergency exit.
cartel, syndicate
Also: gang
📝 In Action
Las autoridades lograron desmantelar el cartel de drogas.
B2The authorities managed to dismantle the drug cartel.
El líder del cartel fue capturado en la frontera.
C1The leader of the cartel was captured at the border.
cartel
Also: trust, monopoly
📝 In Action
Las empresas fueron multadas por formar un cartel para fijar los precios.
C1The companies were fined for forming a cartel to fix prices.
El estudio demostró la existencia de un cartel en el sector energético.
C2The study proved the existence of a cartel in the energy sector.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "cartel" in Spanish:
billboard→cartel→gang→monopoly→placard→poster→sign→syndicate→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cartel
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál de estas oraciones usa 'cartel' en su significado más común (A1)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Italian word 'cartello,' which meant a small piece of paper or a written challenge. This Italian word itself came from the Latin word 'charta' (meaning paper). This explains the two main meanings: the 'poster' (a piece of paper) and the 'syndicate' (originally a written agreement or challenge between groups).
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are 'cartel' and 'póster' interchangeable?
'Cartel' is broader. It covers posters, signs, and billboards. 'Póster' usually refers specifically to a decorative, printed poster, like one you'd hang in a bedroom. In many contexts, however, they can be used interchangeably.
How do I know if 'cartel' means 'poster' or 'syndicate'?
Look at the surrounding words. If you see verbs like 'pegar' (to stick), 'ver' (to see), or 'anunciar' (to announce), it means 'poster.' If you see verbs like 'desmantelar' (to dismantle), 'luchar' (to fight), or 'controlar' (to control), it means 'syndicate/organization'.