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cartero

kar-TEH-roh/kaɾˈteɾo/

“cartero” means “mail carrier” in Spanish (general profession).

mail carrier, postman

Also: mailman
NounmA1
Spain
A friendly mail carrier in a blue uniform delivering a letter to a mailbox.

📝 In Action

El cartero dejó las cartas en el buzón.

A1

The mail carrier left the letters in the mailbox.

Esperamos al cartero todas las mañanas.

A1

We wait for the mailman every morning.

Mi tío trabajó como cartero durante treinta años.

A2

My uncle worked as a postman for thirty years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • repartidor de correos (mail deliverer)
  • valijero (person who carries the mailbag)

Common Collocations

  • cartero real – The Royal Page (who collects letters for the Three Kings)
  • servicio de cartero – mail carrier service

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cartero" in Spanish:

mail carrier→mailman→postman→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cartero

Question 1 of 2

What is the primary job of a 'cartero'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish word 'carta' (letter), which comes from the Latin 'charta' (paper or papyrus). The suffix '-ero' is added to indicate a person's profession or trade.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: carteiroItalian: cartolaio (meaning stationer)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cartero' used for email too?

No, 'cartero' only refers to the person who delivers physical, paper mail. For email, we use 'correo electrónico'.

Does 'cartero' ever mean 'wallet'?

No, 'cartero' is only the person. 'Cartera' (the feminine form) means wallet, purse, or briefcase.