Inklingo

How to Say "files" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “files” is “archivos” — use 'archivos' when referring to digital data, computer files, or documents stored electronically..

English → Spanish

archivos

ar-CHEE-bos/aɾˈtʃiβos/

nounA1general
Use 'archivos' when referring to digital data, computer files, or documents stored electronically.
A simple, stylized open folder icon rendered in bright colors. Inside the folder are three smaller icons: a sheet of paper, a musical note, and a small picture frame, symbolizing various types of digital files.

Examples

Por favor, guarda todos los archivos en esta carpeta.

Please save all the files in this folder.

Los archivos históricos de la ciudad se quemaron en el incendio.

The city's historical archives burned in the fire.

Necesitamos liberar espacio; hay demasiados archivos temporales.

We need to free up space; there are too many temporary files.

Masculine Plural

Since the base word archivo is masculine, the plural archivos uses masculine articles and adjectives: los archivos nuevos (the new files).

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “La archivos”

Correction: Los archivos. Remember to use the masculine 'los' because 'archivo' is a masculine word.

documentos

doh-koo-MEN-tohs/do.kuˈmen.tos/

nounA1general
Use 'documentos' for both physical and digital records, like important papers or travel documents.
A neat stack of official white papers tied together with a red ribbon, featuring a simple seal impression on the top paper.

Examples

Necesito encontrar mis documentos de viaje antes de ir al aeropuerto.

I need to find my travel documents before going to the airport.

Por favor, mantenga todos los documentos importantes en un lugar seguro.

Please keep all the important papers in a safe place.

El abogado revisó todos los documentos relacionados con el caso.

The lawyer reviewed all the records related to the case.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'documento' (a document). Since it ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural.

Masculine Gender

Since 'documento' is masculine, its plural form 'documentos' requires masculine articles and adjectives: 'los documentos', 'unos documentos viejos'.

Confusing Paper vs. Document

Mistake: “Using 'papeles' when specifically referring to formal IDs or legal records.”

Correction: While 'papeles' can mean 'papers,' 'documentos' is much stronger for official or legal records. Use 'documentos' when talking about passports or contracts.

informes

in-FOR-mehs/inˈfoɾmes/

nounA2general
Choose 'informes' when referring to specific data sets or reports, often financial or statistical.
A tall, neat stack of official-looking documents and folders, representing reports, sitting on a clean wooden desk.

Examples

Necesito los informes financieros antes de la reunión.

I need the financial reports before the meeting.

Los informes meteorológicos predicen lluvia para mañana.

The weather reports predict rain for tomorrow.

Hemos recibido informes de varios testigos sobre el accidente.

We have received accounts from several witnesses about the accident.

Plural Form

This is the simple plural form of the masculine noun 'informe' (report). Remember to use the masculine plural article 'los' before it.

expedientes

/eks-peh-DYEN-tess//ekspeˈðjentes/

nounB1formal
Use 'expedientes' for a collection of documents related to a specific person, case, or matter.
A stack of colorful manila folders overflowing with organized papers on a desk.

Examples

Tengo que organizar todos los expedientes de los clientes.

I have to organize all the client files.

El abogado revisó los expedientes antes del juicio.

The lawyer reviewed the case files before the trial.

La policía abrió varios expedientes para investigar el caso.

The police opened several files to investigate the case.

Plural and Gender

This is the plural form of 'expediente.' It is a masculine noun, so you always use 'los' or 'unos' with it (e.g., los expedientes).

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Using 'expedientes' to mean 'expeditions' (trips).”

Correction: Use 'expediciones' for trips or voyages. 'Expedientes' refers specifically to paperwork or records.

registros

reh-HEES-tros/reˈxistros/

nounB1formal
Opt for 'registros' when referring to official records, such as medical or legal documents, that are officially kept.
A stack of three thick, closed official ledger books tied with red string resting on a wooden shelf, representing official records.

Examples

Los registros médicos confirman que estuvo enfermo la semana pasada.

The medical records confirm that he was sick last week.

Perdimos todos los registros de la transacción cuando se cayó el sistema.

We lost all the records of the transaction when the system went down.

Hay que actualizar los registros de asistencia de los estudiantes.

We have to update the student attendance records.

Masculine Plural Noun

Since 'registro' is a masculine noun, its plural form 'registros' is also masculine and always requires masculine plural articles ('los', 'unos') and adjectives.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La registros”

Correction: Use 'Los registros'. Remember, even though 'information' (información) is feminine, 'registro' is masculine.

General vs. Specific 'Files'

Learners often use 'archivos' too broadly. Remember that while 'archivos' can refer to digital documents, 'documentos' is a more general term for any kind of record, physical or digital. Use 'expedientes' or 'registros' only for specific case or official documentation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.