Inklingo
← Dictionary

papeles

pah-PEH-lehs/paˈpeles/

papers

Also: sheets, scraps of paper
NounmA1
A neat stack of blank, white rectangular sheets of paper sitting on a simple wooden desk.

📝 In Action

Recoge esos papeles del escritorio, por favor.

A1

Please pick up those papers from the desk.

Necesitamos más papeles para la impresora.

A2

We need more paper (sheets) for the printer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hojas (sheets)
  • folios (pages)

Common Collocations

  • montón de papeles – pile of papers

documents, ID

Also: paperwork, visa/permit
NounmB1
A single, brown manila folder containing folded documents, sealed with a prominent red wax seal and tied with a red ribbon.

📝 In Action

Perdí mis papeles de identidad y no puedo viajar.

B1

I lost my ID documents and I can't travel.

El abogado ya tiene todos los papeles firmados.

B1

The lawyer already has all the documents signed.

Ella está arreglando sus papeles para vivir aquí permanentemente.

B2

She is sorting out her papers (legal status) to live here permanently.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • documentos (documents)
  • identificación (identification)

Common Collocations

  • arreglar los papeles – to sort out the documents/legal status
  • tener los papeles en regla – to have the papers in order

roles

Also: parts, functions
NounmB2
Two simple theatrical masks, one smiling and one frowning, resting side by side on a wooden stage floor, symbolizing different roles.

📝 In Action

Ella interpretó varios papeles en la obra de teatro.

B2

She played several roles in the theater production.

Los padres tienen papeles cruciales en la educación de sus hijos.

C1

Parents have crucial roles in their children's education.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • intercambiar papeles – to swap roles

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: papeles

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'papeles' to mean 'official identification documents'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
papel(paper, role) — Noun
papelera(wastebasket) — Noun
papelería(stationery store) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *papyrus*, which referred to the ancient Egyptian writing material. It entered Spanish as *papel* and has kept the core meaning of 'material for writing' while expanding to mean 'documents' and 'roles.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: papiersItalian: documenti

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Spanish speakers use 'papeles' (plural) when talking about official documentation?

When referring to ID or legal status, 'papeles' is used because it represents a collection of many different official documents (a passport, a driver's license, a permit, etc.), even if English often uses the singular word 'paperwork' or 'ID.'

How do I know if 'papeles' means sheets of paper or documents?

Context is key! If the sentence mentions signing, losing, or needing them for travel, it means 'documents.' If the sentence mentions drawing, writing, or recycling, it means 'sheets of paper.'