Inklingo
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tarjetas

/tar-HAY-tas/

cards

A small stack of colorful, generic rectangular cards, such as blank index cards or playing cards, sitting on a simple surface.

A general meaning of 'tarjetas' refers to small, flat pieces of stiff material, like these generic cards.

tarjetas(noun)

fA1

cards

?

General term for small, flat pieces of stiff paper or plastic

Also:

index cards

?

For studying or notes

,

playing cards

?

For games (though 'cartas' or 'naipes' are often used)

📝 In Action

Necesito comprar unas tarjetas de felicitación para Navidad.

A2

I need to buy some greeting cards for Christmas.

Las tarjetas de presentación están en la mesa.

A1

The business cards are on the table.

Usamos tarjetas rojas y azules en el juego.

A1

We used red and blue cards in the game.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cartas (letters/playing cards)
  • cédulas (ID cards (formal))

Common Collocations

  • tarjetas de presentación – business cards
  • tarjetas postales – postcards

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Plural

Since 'tarjeta' ends in '-a', it is a feminine word. 'Tarjetas' is the plural form, so any descriptive words (adjectives) used with it must also be feminine and plural (e.g., 'tarjetas nuevas').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "Los tarjetas"

Correction: Las tarjetas. Remember that 'tarjeta' is feminine, so it takes the feminine plural article 'las'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Pronunciation Tip

The 'j' in 'tarjetas' sounds like the 'h' in the English word 'house'—it's a strong, throaty sound.

A hand holding several stylized, rectangular payment cards (credit cards or debit cards) with abstract, colorful designs.

In a financial context, 'tarjetas' is used specifically to mean credit or debit cards.

tarjetas(noun)

fA1

credit cards

?

Financial context

,

debit cards

?

Financial context

Also:

bank cards

?

General term for payment method

📝 In Action

¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito aquí?

A1

Do you accept credit cards here?

Perdí mis tarjetas en el metro.

A1

I lost my cards on the subway.

Solo pago con tarjetas; nunca uso efectivo.

A2

I only pay with cards; I never use cash.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • plásticos (plastics (informal for cards))

Common Collocations

  • tarjetas de débito – debit cards
  • tarjetas prepagadas – prepaid cards

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse sin tarjetas – to run out of money/credit

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Con' (With)

When talking about paying, you use the word 'con' (with): 'Pagar con tarjetas' (To pay with cards).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Direct Translation of 'Card'

Mistake: "Mi tarjeta es de visa. (Using 'es de' for type)"

Correction: Mi tarjeta es Visa. (Treating the brand like an adjective, not needing 'de')

⭐ Usage Tips

Asking for Acceptance

The easiest way to ask if a place accepts them is: '¿Aceptan tarjetas?' or '¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tarjetas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'tarjetas' in a financial context?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

tarjeta(card (singular)) - noun
tarjetero(card holder/wallet) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'tarjetas' and 'cartas'?

'Tarjetas' usually refers to thick, stiff cards (like bank cards, ID cards, or greeting cards). 'Cartas' usually means letters, or it can be used specifically for playing cards (like a deck of cards).

How do I ask if I can pay with a card?

The most common and polite way is to ask, '¿Aceptan tarjetas?' (Do you accept cards?) or '¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?' (Can I pay with a card?).