Inklingo

How to Say "document" in Spanish

English → Spanish

documento

/do-ku-MEN-to//do.kuˈmen.to/

nounA1general
Use 'documento' for any general paper, file, or written record, especially in official or formal contexts.
A pristine white sheet of official paper lying flat, marked only by a large, colorful, abstract geometric seal in the corner, representing an official document.

Examples

Necesito firmar este documento antes de irme.

I need to sign this document before I leave.

¿Tienes tu documento de identidad a mano?

Do you have your ID (identity document) handy?

El abogado revisó todos los documentos legales del caso.

The lawyer reviewed all the legal documents for the case.

Gender Rule

Even though 'documento' ends in '-o', which usually means it's masculine, remember that the word for 'paper' is also masculine: 'el papel'.

Confusing Paper Types

Mistake: “Using 'papel' when you mean a formal record.”

Correction: Use 'documento' for official records (like a contract or a passport). Use 'papel' for the material itself (like toilet paper or writing paper).

papel

/pa-PEL//paˈpel/

nounB1general
Use 'papel' when referring to a specific sheet of paper used for an official purpose, like signing for confirmation.
A neat stack of pale yellow official-looking documents secured with a thick red ribbon, sitting on a wooden desk.

Examples

Por favor, firme este papel para confirmar su cita.

Please sign this document to confirm your appointment.

Perdí mis papeles y no puedo viajar.

I lost my papers and I can't travel.

El oficial de inmigración me pidió los papeles.

The immigration officer asked me for my papers.

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.

escrito

es-KREE-toh/esˈkɾito/

nounB1formal
Use 'escrito' for a more formal or official written submission, often in legal or academic settings.
A tightly rolled scroll of official-looking paper tied securely with a thick red ribbon, symbolizing a formal document.

Examples

El juez solicitó que se presentara un escrito formal.

The judge requested that a formal document be submitted.

Aún no hemos terminado de redactar el escrito.

We still haven't finished drafting the piece of writing.

Fixed Gender

When 'escrito' is used as a noun meaning 'a document,' it is always masculine (el escrito), regardless of the gender of the writer or the topic.

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: “La escrito es demasiado largo.”

Correction: El escrito es demasiado largo. (It must be 'el escrito' because the noun is masculine).

Documento vs. Papel

Learners often confuse 'documento' and 'papel'. Remember that 'documento' is the general term for any document, while 'papel' specifically refers to a sheet of paper used for a particular official task, like signing.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.