Inklingo

How to Say "greeting card" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tarjeta

tar-HEH-tahtaɾˈxeta

nounA1general
Use 'tarjeta' when referring to a card in a general sense, especially when it's part of a phrase like 'tarjeta de felicitación' or when the context makes it clear you mean a greeting card.
A simple solid blue rectangular plastic card, similar to a bank or identification card, lying flat.

Examples

Necesito comprar una tarjeta de cumpleaños para mi amigo.

I need to buy a birthday card for my friend.

¿Aceptan pagos con tarjeta de débito?

Do you accept debit card payments?

Necesitas mostrar tu tarjeta de embarque para subir al avión.

You need to show your boarding pass (card) to get on the plane.

Olvidé mi tarjeta de identificación en casa.

I forgot my ID card at home.

Always Feminine

Since 'tarjeta' ends in '-a' and refers to a thing, use feminine articles and adjectives: 'la tarjeta nueva' (the new card).

Using 'papel' for 'card'

Mistake: “Me dio un papel de cumpleaños.”

Correction: Me dio una tarjeta de cumpleaños. ('Papel' means general paper, 'tarjeta' means a specific formatted card.)

felicitación

nounA2general
Use 'felicitación' when specifically referring to a card or message sent for a special occasion, emphasizing the congratulatory or celebratory nature of the item.

Examples

Recibimos una felicitación de boda de parte de nuestros tíos.

We received a wedding card from our aunt and uncle.

General vs. Specific Cards

Learners often confuse 'tarjeta' and 'felicitación' by using the more general 'tarjeta' for all types of cards. Remember that while 'tarjeta' can mean any card, 'felicitación' specifically refers to a card for a celebration.

Related Translations

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