papel
/pa-PEL/
paper
Papel refers to the material we use for writing or wrapping.
papel(Noun)
paper
?the material used for writing, printing, or wrapping
sheet
?a single piece of paper, often as 'una hoja de papel'
📝 In Action
Necesito una hoja de papel para dibujar.
A1I need a sheet of paper to draw.
Este regalo está envuelto en un papel muy bonito.
A2This gift is wrapped in very pretty paper.
La impresora se quedó sin papel.
A2The printer ran out of paper.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine: 'el papel'
Even though 'papel' ends in -l, it's a masculine word. Always say 'el papel' (the paper) or 'un papel' (a paper).
⭐ Usage Tips
Material vs. Sheet
Use 'papel' to talk about the material in general ('Me gusta el papel reciclado'). To talk about one single piece, it's very common to say 'una hoja de papel'.
Papel can also mean 'role,' such as a part in a play or movie.
papel(Noun)
role
?a part in a play, movie, or function in a situation
part
?an actor's character
📝 In Action
El actor hizo un papel increíble en la película.
B1The actor played an incredible role in the movie.
Ella juega un papel muy importante en nuestra empresa.
B2She plays a very important role in our company.
A cada miembro del equipo se le asignó un papel específico.
B2Each team member was assigned a specific role.
⭐ Usage Tips
How to Say 'Play a Role'
You can say 'jugar un papel' or 'hacer un papel'. A slightly more formal and very common option you'll hear is 'desempeñar un papel'.
In a legal or bureaucratic context, papel (often plural, papeles) means 'document' or 'papers'.
📝 In Action
Por favor, firme este papel para confirmar su cita.
B1Please sign this document to confirm your appointment.
Perdí mis papeles y no puedo viajar.
B2I lost my papers and I can't travel.
El oficial de inmigración me pidió los papeles.
B2The immigration officer asked me for my papers.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'papel' for 'newspaper'
Mistake: "Leí las noticias en el papel esta mañana."
Correction: Leí las noticias en el periódico esta mañana. 'Papel' is the material, but 'periódico' or 'diario' is the newspaper itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural for 'Documents'
When talking about official documents like your ID, visa, or car registration, Spanish speakers almost always use the plural form: 'los papeles'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: papel
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'papel' to mean 'role'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'papel' and 'periódico'?
'Papel' is the physical material you write on. 'Periódico' (or 'diario') is the newspaper that's printed on that material. So you read the 'periódico', which is made of 'papel'.
Is 'papel' always masculine?
Yes, always! It's 'el papel' for 'the paper' and 'un papel' for 'a paper'. This is true for all of its meanings.