At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'cartero' means 'mail carrier' or 'postman'. It is one of the basic jobs you learn when building your initial vocabulary. You should be able to identify a cartero in a picture and use the word in very simple sentences with verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'ver' (to see). For example: 'Él es cartero' (He is a mailman) or 'Veo al cartero' (I see the mailman). At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar; just focus on the connection between the person in the uniform and the word. You should also recognize that the word for a woman is 'cartera'. Remember that carteros bring 'cartas' (letters), which makes the word easier to remember since they share the same root. You might see this word in basic reading exercises about 'the neighborhood' or 'people in my city'.
At the A2 level, you should be able to describe what a cartero does using simple present and past tenses. You can talk about their routine: 'El cartero camina mucho cada día' (The mailman walks a lot every day) or 'El cartero trajo un paquete ayer' (The mailman brought a package yesterday). You should also be aware of the 'personal a' rule (e.g., 'Espero al cartero'). At this level, you can use 'cartero' in the context of giving or receiving directions or explaining daily activities. You might also start to learn related words like 'buzón' (mailbox) and 'dirección' (address). It's important to differentiate between 'el cartero' (the professional) and 'la cartera' (the professional or the wallet), using context to help you. You should be able to understand a short story or a simple dialogue where someone is waiting for the mail to arrive.
At the B1 level, you can discuss the role of the cartero in society and express opinions about the postal service. You might use the word in more complex sentences involving the subjunctive or conditional: 'Espero que el cartero llegue pronto' (I hope the mailman arrives soon) or 'Si fuera cartero, me gustaría trabajar en el campo' (If I were a mailman, I would like to work in the countryside). You should be able to handle interactions involving the cartero, such as asking for a signature on a certified letter or complaining about a missing package. You understand the cultural significance of the cartero in Spanish-speaking communities, especially in smaller towns where they are a familiar face. You can also compare the work of a cartero with other modern delivery services like 'mensajería' or 'reparto a domicilio'.
At the B2 level, you can use 'cartero' in abstract or metaphorical contexts and understand its nuances in literature or news reports. You can talk about the challenges of the profession, such as the impact of digitalization on 'el servicio de correos' and the changing job descriptions for 'los carteros'. You should be comfortable using the word in debates about public vs. private services. For example: '¿Crees que la figura del cartero tradicional desaparecerá con el correo electrónico?' (Do you think the figure of the traditional mailman will disappear with email?). Your vocabulary should now include terms like 'cartero rural', 'reparto certificado', and 'notificación administrativa'. You can also understand idiomatic expressions or cultural references where the cartero represents a messenger of news, whether good or bad.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'cartero' and its historical and literary connotations. You can analyze the portrayal of mail carriers in Spanish-language films (like 'Il Postino') or novels, discussing the symbolism of the mail. You are aware of regional variations and how the postal system is organized in different Spanish-speaking countries (e.g., Correos in Spain vs. Correo Argentino). You can use the word in sophisticated writing, perhaps discussing the socio-economic importance of the 'cartero rural' in preventing the depopulation of rural areas ('la España vaciada'). You also understand the legal definitions and responsibilities associated with the role of a cartero, such as 'fe pública' (public trust) in certain administrative deliveries. Your use of the word is precise, and you can effortlessly distinguish it from technical synonyms like 'valijero' or 'estafeta'.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of the word 'cartero', including its use in obscure idioms, historical contexts, and specialized legal or poetic language. You can discuss the evolution of the term from its Latin roots to its current state in the age of logistics and global supply chains. You might explore the etymological links between 'carta', 'cartel', and 'cartero' in a linguistic analysis. You can interpret the role of the cartero as a figure of 'mediación social' in 19th-century literature. In professional or academic settings, you can discuss the 'estatuto jurídico de los carteros' or the logistics of 'última milla' (last mile delivery) where the cartero remains the final link. You are also sensitive to the subtle emotional resonance the word carries in various Hispanic cultures, from the 'Cartero Real' in Christmas traditions to the 'cartero' as a harbinger of life-changing news in classic cinema.

cartero 30秒で

  • Cartero means mail carrier or postman in Spanish.
  • It comes from 'carta' (letter) and takes the feminine form 'cartera'.
  • It specifically refers to official postal workers, not general delivery people.
  • It is a common A2-level vocabulary word used in daily life contexts.

The word cartero is a foundational Spanish noun that refers to a mail carrier, postman, or postal worker. Derived from the word carta (letter) and the suffix -ero (indicating a profession or trade), it literally translates to 'the person of the letters.' In the Spanish-speaking world, the cartero is more than just a delivery person; historically, they have been vital links in the social fabric, especially in rural villages where the arrival of the mail was a significant daily event. When you use this word, you are referring specifically to the individual who delivers physical correspondence, packages, and notifications to residential or business addresses. In modern contexts, while digital communication has reduced the volume of personal letters, the cartero remains essential for the delivery of government documents, utility bills, and the ever-growing sector of e-commerce packages.

Gender and Agreement
The word is masculine by default (el cartero), but it changes to feminine (la cartera) when referring to a female mail carrier. Note that la cartera also means 'wallet' or 'purse,' which is a common point of confusion for learners.
Professional Scope
While a repartidor might deliver food or general goods, a cartero is specifically associated with the national postal service (like Correos in Spain or SEPOMEX in Mexico).

El cartero siempre pasa por mi casa a las once de la mañana.

The usage of cartero extends into various cultural traditions. For instance, in Spain and many Latin American countries, children write letters to the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus, and these are often delivered to a 'Cartero Real' (Royal Mailman) during the holiday season. This highlights the word's connection to hope and anticipation. Furthermore, the word appears in literature and cinema, often representing a messenger of fate or a witness to the private lives of the people on their route. In daily conversation, you might hear someone ask, '¿Ha pasado ya el cartero?' (Has the mailman come yet?) when they are expecting an important document or a long-awaited package.

Le di una propina al cartero por Navidad.

In terms of register, cartero is neutral and can be used in any setting, from a formal legal discussion about postal laws to a casual chat with a neighbor. It is important to distinguish it from a mensajero (messenger), who usually works for private courier services and delivers urgent items or documents within a city. The cartero is the face of the public postal infrastructure. Understanding this word also opens the door to related vocabulary like buzón (mailbox), sello (stamp), and sobre (envelope).

Using cartero correctly involves understanding its role as a subject or object in a sentence and its relationship with specific verbs of motion and delivery. Because it is a person, when it serves as a direct object, you must use the 'personal a' in Spanish. For example, 'Vi al cartero' (I saw the mailman). This is a common hurdle for English speakers who are not used to marking human direct objects with a preposition. Additionally, the word often appears with verbs like entregar (to deliver), traer (to bring), esperar (to wait for), and repartir (to distribute/deliver).

Common Verb Pairings
Entregar: El cartero entregó el paquete en la puerta. (The mailman delivered the package at the door.)
Esperar: Estoy esperando al cartero porque espero un cheque. (I am waiting for the mailman because I'm expecting a check.)

¿Sabes si el cartero ya dejó la correspondencia en el buzón?

When talking about the profession in general, you would use the definite article: 'El oficio de cartero es muy sacrificado' (The job of a mailman is very demanding). In plural forms, los carteros refers to a group of male mail carriers or a mixed group, while las carteras refers exclusively to a group of female mail carriers. It is also common to use adjectives to describe the cartero's actions, such as 'el cartero motorizado' (the mail carrier on a motorcycle) or 'el cartero de a pie' (the mail carrier on foot). In many urban areas of Spain and Latin America, carteros use small yellow or white motorcycles, which has become a standard visual association.

Ayer el cartero no pudo entrar al edificio porque la puerta estaba trabada.

In more complex sentences, you might see cartero used in passive constructions or as part of relative clauses. For example, 'El hombre que es cartero vive en mi barrio' (The man who is a mailman lives in my neighborhood). Notice that when stating someone's profession directly after the verb ser, Spanish often omits the indefinite article: 'Él es cartero' (He is a mailman) rather than 'Él es un cartero,' unless you are adding an adjective like 'Él es un cartero muy amable' (He is a very kind mailman). This is a nuance that helps your Spanish sound more native.

The word cartero is a staple of daily life and can be heard in a variety of real-world scenarios. The most common place is within the household or apartment complex. You will hear neighbors asking each other about the mail delivery or parents telling children to go check if the cartero has arrived. In small towns, the cartero is often a well-known figure who greets everyone by name, leading to conversations like '¿Qué noticias nos trae hoy, cartero?' (What news do you bring us today, mailman?). This social aspect is a key part of the word's resonance in Spanish culture.

In Pop Culture
You will encounter the word in famous film titles like 'El cartero y Pablo Neruda' (also known as Il Postino), which romanticizes the role of the mail carrier as a messenger of poetry and love. It also appears in the Spanish translation of the classic thriller 'El cartero siempre llama dos veces' (The Postman Always Rings Twice).

En el pueblo, el cartero conoce la vida de todos los vecinos.

In the workplace, particularly in administrative offices, the word is used when discussing logistics and incoming documents. An office manager might say, 'Dáselo al cartero cuando venga' (Give it to the mailman when he comes). Additionally, in news reports or documentaries about the public sector, you will hear discussions about the working conditions of los carteros, their strikes (huelgas), or the modernization of the postal fleet. The word is intrinsically linked to the public service identity of countries.

Escuché al cartero cerrar la tapa del buzón con fuerza.

You might also hear this word in nostalgic songs (boleros or tangos) where the cartero is the one who fails to bring a letter from a lost love. This adds a layer of emotional weight to the word. In modern urban music or slang, while less common than in the past, the cartero might be mentioned in the context of 'bringing the package' or 'bringing the news,' sometimes used metaphorically. However, its primary use remains the literal delivery of mail, a service that remains a constant despite the digital age.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with the word cartero is forgetting the gender-specific form for women. While in English 'mail carrier' is gender-neutral, in Spanish, calling a female mail carrier 'el cartero' is grammatically incorrect. You must use la cartera. However, this leads to the second most common mistake: confusion with the other meanings of cartera. In Spanish, una cartera is a wallet, a purse, or even a portfolio/briefcase. Context is vital. If you say 'Perdí mi cartera,' people will assume you lost your wallet, not your mail carrier!

Cartero vs. Mensajero
Learners often use 'cartero' for anyone delivering anything. If someone is delivering a pizza or an Amazon package via a private courier (like DHL or FedEx), they are more likely a repartidor or a mensajero. Use cartero specifically for the official postal service worker.

Incorrecto: El cartero me trajo la pizza. (Better: El repartidor me trajo la pizza).

Another mistake involves the 'personal a'. Because a cartero is a person, when they are the direct object of a verb, you must include 'a'. 'Busco al cartero' (I'm looking for the mailman) is correct, whereas 'Busco el cartero' sounds like you are looking for a robotic object. Additionally, watch out for the spelling; it is cartero (with one 'r'), not 'carretero'. A carretero is someone who drives a cart or works on roads, which is a completely different profession.

Confusión común: ¿Es cartero o mensajero? El cartero trabaja para el Estado; el mensajero para una empresa privada.

Finally, avoid overusing the word un when describing someone's job. In English, we say 'He is a mailman.' In Spanish, 'Él es cartero' is the standard way to state a profession. Adding 'un' makes it sound like you are singling him out as one specific mailman among many, which is usually not what you mean when simply identifying his job. Mastering these small distinctions will significantly improve your fluency and prevent awkward misunderstandings with native speakers.

While cartero is the most specific term for a postal worker, several other words exist in the same semantic field. Understanding the nuances between them will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is repartidor, which is a broader term for anyone who delivers goods. If you receive a package from an online store, the person at the door is likely a repartidor. If you are in a business setting and someone is delivering documents by hand, they are a mensajero (messenger). In some historical or very formal contexts, you might even encounter estafeta, though this usually refers to the post office building itself rather than the person.

Cartero vs. Repartidor
Cartero: Delivers letters and official mail, works for the national post.
Repartidor: Delivers merchandise, food, or commercial packages.
Cartero vs. Mensajero
Cartero: Follows a fixed route daily.
Mensajero: Performs specific, often urgent, point-to-point deliveries.

El cartero trae las facturas, pero el mensajero trae los contratos urgentes.

Another related term is valijero, which is less common and refers to someone who carries a valija (briefcase or mailbag), often used in diplomatic or high-security mail contexts. In Argentina and Uruguay, you might hear correo used colloquially to refer to the person ('Vino el correo'), although 'cartero' remains the standard noun for the individual. In very formal Spanish, 'empleado de correos' (postal employee) is a safe, professional alternative that covers both those who deliver mail and those who work behind the counter.

Prefiero que el cartero deje las cartas en el buzón y no en el suelo.

Finally, it is worth noting the term cartero rural. In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, this is a specific job title for mail carriers who cover large, sparsely populated areas, often using their own vehicles. They are frequently seen as community leaders or essential service providers for the elderly in remote villages. Comparing these terms shows that while the core duty is delivery, the specific word cartero carries a unique weight of tradition and public service that other terms like 'delivery' (often used as an anglicism in some countries) simply do not have.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In the 18th century, carteros in Spain were often chosen based on their physical endurance and honesty, as they had to travel long distances on foot or horseback.

発音ガイド

UK /kɑːˈtɛərəʊ/
US /kɑrˈtɛroʊ/
The stress is on the second-to-last syllable: car-TE-ro.
韻が合う語
dinero sombrero enero obrero viajero portero sendero compañero
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap 'r'.
  • Confusing 'cartero' with 'carretero' (adding a trill where there is a tap).
  • Stressing the first syllable (CAR-te-ro) which is incorrect.
  • Vocalizing the final 'o' as a diphthong like 'oh' instead of a pure 'o'.
  • Failing to pronounce the 't' clearly.

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize because of its similarity to 'carta'.

ライティング 2/5

Simple spelling, just remember the single 'r'.

スピーキング 2/5

Requires the Spanish tap 'r', which can be tricky for beginners.

リスニング 1/5

Clear pronunciation and distinct syllables.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

carta casa trabajo persona traer

次に学ぶ

buzón sobre sello paquete enviar

上級

logística corresponsal franqueo remitente destinatario

知っておくべき文法

Personal 'a'

Veo al cartero.

Profession gender

El cartero / La cartera.

Omission of indefinite article with professions

Él es cartero.

Plural formation

El cartero -> Los carteros.

Adjective agreement

El cartero amable / La cartera amable.

レベル別の例文

1

El cartero es amable.

The mailman is kind.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

Veo al cartero en la calle.

I see the mailman in the street.

Uses 'personal a' (al = a + el).

3

El cartero trae una carta.

The mailman brings a letter.

Present tense of 'traer'.

4

Mi padre es cartero.

My father is a mailman.

No indefinite article before the profession.

5

¿Dónde está el cartero?

Where is the mailman?

Question form with 'estar'.

6

La cartera tiene mi paquete.

The (female) mail carrier has my package.

Feminine form 'la cartera'.

7

El cartero llega a las diez.

The mailman arrives at ten.

Present tense of 'llegar'.

8

Hola, señor cartero.

Hello, Mr. Mailman.

Formal address.

1

El cartero dejó la correspondencia en el buzón.

The mailman left the mail in the mailbox.

Preterite tense of 'dejar'.

2

Ayer hablé con el cartero sobre mi paquete.

Yesterday I spoke with the mailman about my package.

Preterite tense with preposition 'con'.

3

El cartero siempre usa una bicicleta amarilla.

The mailman always uses a yellow bicycle.

Adverb of frequency 'siempre'.

4

No conocemos al nuevo cartero todavía.

We don't know the new mailman yet.

Personal 'a' with the verb 'conocer'.

5

La cartera camina por todo el barrio.

The mail carrier (fem.) walks through the whole neighborhood.

Preposition 'por' indicating movement through a place.

6

El cartero me dio una notificación importante.

The mailman gave me an important notice.

Indirect object pronoun 'me'.

7

Los carteros trabajan incluso cuando llueve.

Mailmen work even when it rains.

Plural subject and conjunction 'incluso'.

8

Quiero ser cartero cuando sea mayor.

I want to be a mailman when I grow up.

Infinitive after 'querer' and subjunctive 'sea'.

1

Si el cartero no viene hoy, tendré que ir a la oficina.

If the mailman doesn't come today, I'll have to go to the office.

Conditional sentence type 1.

2

Es necesario que el cartero firme este documento.

It is necessary that the mailman signs this document.

Subjunctive mood after 'es necesario que'.

3

El cartero que nos traía el correo se jubiló el mes pasado.

The mailman who used to bring us the mail retired last month.

Relative clause with 'que' and imperfect tense.

4

Dudo que el cartero pase tan tarde por aquí.

I doubt the mailman passes by here so late.

Subjunctive mood after 'dudar que'.

5

El cartero rural recorre muchos kilómetros cada día.

The rural mailman travels many kilometers every day.

Adjective 'rural' modifying 'cartero'.

6

Le pedí al cartero que dejara el paquete en la portería.

I asked the mailman to leave the package at the concierge's desk.

Indirect command using past subjunctive.

7

Gracias al cartero, mi abuela recibe sus cartas a tiempo.

Thanks to the mailman, my grandmother receives her letters on time.

Prepositional phrase 'gracias al'.

8

El cartero lleva un uniforme azul muy distintivo.

The mailman wears a very distinctive blue uniform.

Verb 'llevar' used for wearing clothes.

1

A pesar de la nieve, el cartero cumplió con su ruta.

Despite the snow, the mailman fulfilled his route.

Concession clause with 'a pesar de'.

2

El cartero fue testigo de cómo el perro se escapaba.

The mailman was a witness to how the dog escaped.

Passive-like structure 'ser testigo de'.

3

Se dice que el cartero siempre llama dos veces.

It is said that the postman always rings twice.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

4

La labor del cartero ha evolucionado con las nuevas tecnologías.

The mailman's work has evolved with new technologies.

Present perfect tense.

5

No creo que el cartero haya pasado todavía por esta calle.

I don't think the mailman has passed through this street yet.

Present perfect subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

6

El cartero se detuvo a descansar bajo la sombra de un árbol.

The mailman stopped to rest under the shade of a tree.

Reflexive verb 'detenerse'.

7

Muchos carteros se quejan del peso excesivo de las mochilas.

Many mailmen complain about the excessive weight of the bags.

Verb 'quejarse' with preposition 'de'.

8

El cartero entregó la citación judicial en mano.

The mailman delivered the court summons in person.

Specific vocabulary 'citación judicial' and 'en mano'.

1

La figura del cartero es emblemática en la literatura de posguerra.

The figure of the mailman is emblematic in post-war literature.

Abstract noun phrase 'la figura del'.

2

El cartero, cuya diligencia es admirable, nunca falta a su cita.

The mailman, whose diligence is admirable, never misses his appointment.

Relative pronoun 'cuya' (whose).

3

Resulta paradójico que, en la era digital, el cartero sea más necesario que nunca para la paquetería.

It is paradoxical that, in the digital age, the mailman is more necessary than ever for parcel delivery.

Subjunctive after 'resulta paradójico que'.

4

El cartero actuó como mediador en el conflicto entre los vecinos.

The mailman acted as a mediator in the conflict between the neighbors.

Preposition 'como' used for roles.

5

Dada la huelga de carteros, la correspondencia sufrirá retrasos considerables.

Given the mailmen's strike, the mail will suffer considerable delays.

Absolute construction 'Dada la...'.

6

El cartero real es un personaje clave en las cabalgatas de Reyes.

The Royal Mailman is a key character in the Three Kings parades.

Cultural specific term 'Cartero Real'.

7

No por mucho madrugar, el cartero llega más temprano.

No matter how early you wake up, the mailman doesn't arrive earlier (play on a proverb).

Idiomatic use of 'No por mucho...'.

8

El cartero depositó las cartas con una parsimonia casi ritual.

The mailman deposited the letters with an almost ritualistic slowness.

Advanced vocabulary 'parsimonia' and 'ritual'.

1

La obsolescencia del cartero tradicional es un tema recurrente en la sociología urbana.

The obsolescence of the traditional mailman is a recurring theme in urban sociology.

Complex academic terminology.

2

El cartero se erigió en el único vínculo de la aldea con el mundo exterior.

The mailman became the village's only link to the outside world.

Literary verb 'erigirse en'.

3

Bajo la apariencia de un simple cartero, se escondía un espía de alto nivel.

Under the guise of a simple mailman, a high-level spy was hidden.

Prepositional phrase 'Bajo la apariencia de'.

4

La abnegación del cartero rural es digna de encomio en estos tiempos de inmediatez.

The selflessness of the rural mailman is worthy of praise in these times of immediacy.

High-level vocabulary 'abnegación' and 'encomio'.

5

El cartero, impertérrito ante el temporal, prosiguió su andadura por la sierra.

The mailman, undaunted by the storm, continued his journey through the mountains.

Adjectives 'impertérrito' and noun 'andadura'.

6

No es sino a través del cartero que nos llegan los ecos de una época ya pretérita.

It is only through the mailman that the echoes of a past era reach us.

Emphatic construction 'No es sino... que'.

7

La figura del cartero en la lírica nerudiana simboliza la comunicación humana más elemental.

The figure of the mailman in Neruda's poetry symbolizes the most elemental human communication.

Literary analysis terminology.

8

Hubo de ser el cartero quien diera la voz de alarma tras descubrir el siniestro.

It had to be the mailman who raised the alarm after discovering the accident.

Modal verb 'hubo de ser' and relative clause.

よく使う組み合わせ

cartero rural
cartero real
esperar al cartero
oficio de cartero
uniforme de cartero
bolsa del cartero
cartero motorizado
llamar al cartero
ruta del cartero
saludar al cartero

よく使うフレーズ

¿Ha pasado el cartero?

— A standard question to ask if the mail has been delivered yet.

Mamá, ¿ha pasado el cartero hoy?

El cartero siempre llama dos veces.

— A reference to the famous book/movie, used to imply someone is persistent.

No te preocupes, el cartero siempre llama dos veces.

Cartero de profesión.

— Used to state someone's lifelong career.

Mi abuelo fue cartero de profesión.

Ser un cartero de malas noticias.

— To be the person who always brings bad news.

No quiero ser el cartero de malas noticias, pero perdimos.

Esperar como al cartero.

— To wait for something with great anticipation.

Te estaba esperando como al cartero.

Cartero honorario.

— A title given to someone for special service to the post office.

Camilo José Cela fue cartero honorario.

Cartero de a pie.

— A mail carrier who delivers mail by walking.

Admiro al cartero de a pie que sube estas cuestas.

La saca del cartero.

— The large bag used by a mail carrier.

La saca del cartero está llena de regalos.

Cartero del barrio.

— The specific mailman assigned to a neighborhood.

Nuestro cartero del barrio es muy simpático.

Cartero nocturno.

— A mail carrier who works at night (rare).

El cartero nocturno solo entrega correo urgente.

よく混同される語

cartero vs carretero

Means a cart driver or road worker; has a double 'rr'.

cartero vs cartera

Means wallet or purse; context is needed to distinguish from a female mail carrier.

cartero vs mensajero

Delivers private or urgent items, not government mail.

慣用句と表現

"No ser cartero"

— To not be responsible for conveying a message or gossip.

Yo no soy cartero, pregúntale a él directamente.

informal
"Parecer un cartero"

— To be carrying many bags or letters.

Con tantas carpetas pareces un cartero.

informal
"Cartero de Dios"

— A poetic way to refer to a priest or messenger of faith.

El misionero actuaba como un cartero de Dios.

poetic
"Ser un cartero de la muerte"

— To bring news of a passing.

Lamentablemente, el cartero de la muerte llegó a su puerta.

literary
"Hacer de cartero"

— To act as a middleman in a conversation between two people.

No voy a hacer de cartero entre tú y tu ex.

neutral
"Cartero sin cartas"

— Someone who has the title but no work to do.

Sin presupuesto, el jefe es un cartero sin cartas.

metaphorical
"Más perdido que un cartero en un barrio nuevo"

— To be very lost or confused.

Estoy más perdido que un cartero en un barrio nuevo.

slang
"El cartero de los sueños"

— Someone who brings hope or good news.

Para los niños, el cartero de los sueños es Santa Claus.

poetic
"Ni cartero ni correo"

— To have no news or communication at all.

De su hijo no tenemos ni cartero ni correo.

informal
"Cartero de viento"

— Someone whose words are empty or blow away.

No le creas, es un cartero de viento.

metaphorical

間違えやすい

cartero vs repartidor

Both deliver things to your house.

A cartero works specifically for the postal service. A repartidor can deliver pizza, Amazon packages, or groceries.

El cartero trajo la multa, pero el repartidor trajo la cena.

cartero vs portero

Both work in or around apartment buildings.

A portero is a doorman or building manager. A cartero just visits the building to leave mail.

El portero saludó al cartero en la entrada.

cartero vs carta

They share the same root.

Carta is the object (letter); cartero is the person (mail carrier).

El cartero puso la carta en el buzón.

cartero vs cartera

Identical word for female mail carrier and wallet.

Context determines the meaning. Usually, 'la cartera' as a person is followed by action verbs.

La cartera (person) buscó en su cartera (wallet) para encontrar su identificación.

cartero vs mensajería

Related to the delivery service.

Mensajería is the service or company; cartero is the individual worker.

La mensajería es rápida, pero prefiero a mi cartero de siempre.

文型パターン

A1

El cartero es [adjetivo].

El cartero es rápido.

A1

Yo veo al cartero.

Yo veo al cartero todos los días.

A2

El cartero trae [objeto].

El cartero trae un paquete grande.

A2

El cartero dejó [objeto] en [lugar].

El cartero dejó la carta en el buzón.

B1

Espero que el cartero [subjuntivo].

Espero que el cartero traiga buenas noticias.

B1

Cuando venga el cartero, [futuro].

Cuando venga el cartero, le daré la carta.

B2

A pesar de [sustantivo], el cartero [verbo].

A pesar del frío, el cartero trabajó duro.

C1

La labor del cartero consiste en [infinitivo].

La labor del cartero consiste en conectar a las personas.

語族

名詞

carta
cartera
cartería
cartel
cartonero

動詞

encartar
descartar

形容詞

carteril
cartaceo

関連

correo
buzón
sobre
sello
franqueo

使い方

frequency

Very common in daily life and literature.

よくある間違い
  • El cartero trajo mi pizza. El repartidor trajo mi pizza.

    Carteros only deliver mail and parcels from the post office.

  • Él es un cartero. Él es cartero.

    In Spanish, we don't use 'un' when stating someone's profession.

  • Veo el cartero. Veo al cartero.

    Missing the personal 'a' for a human direct object.

  • La cartero es simpática. La cartera es simpática.

    Profession nouns ending in -o usually change to -a for females.

  • El carretero me dio la carta. El cartero me dio la carta.

    Carretero means road worker; cartero means mailman.

ヒント

Personal A

Always use 'a' before 'cartero' if he is the object: 'Busco al cartero'.

Root Word

Remember 'carta' (letter) to never forget 'cartero'.

Yellow and Blue

In Spain, associate the word with the colors yellow and blue (Correos).

The Tap R

The 'r' in cartero is a single tap, not a roll.

Profession vs Object

Context is king for 'la cartera' (mailwoman vs wallet).

Hero of Mail

Think of the 'ero' suffix as a 'hero' who brings your letters.

Single R

Do not spell it with 'rr' or you'll be talking about roads!

Suffix Clue

The '-ero' ending always signals a profession.

Politeness

Greeting the cartero is a great way to practice basic Spanish.

Rural Context

In rural Spain, the cartero is a vital community link.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'CAR' delivering a 'LETTER' (carta) to a 'HERO' (ero). The Cartero is the neighborhood hero who brings your mail!

視覚的連想

Imagine a bright yellow motorcycle with a large bag on the back, driven by a person in a blue uniform holding a white envelope.

Word Web

carta buzón sello correo paquete dirección entrega uniforme

チャレンジ

Go to your mailbox today and say 'Gracias, cartero' out loud, even if no one is there, to lock the word in your memory.

語源

From the Spanish word 'carta' (letter), which comes from the Latin 'charta' (paper, papyrus). The suffix '-ero' is added to denote an occupation.

元の意味: A person in charge of handling or delivering papers/letters.

Romance (Latin root).

文化的な背景

None. It is a neutral, respectful term for a professional.

In the US and UK, the terms 'mailman' or 'postie' are used similarly, but the 'cartero' often has a more personal relationship with neighbors in traditional Spanish 'barrios'.

El cartero de Neruda (Novel/Film) El cartero siempre llama dos veces (Film title) Postman Pat (Translated as 'El cartero Pat' in some regions)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

At home

  • ¿Vino el cartero?
  • Mira el buzón
  • El cartero llamó
  • Tengo una carta

At the post office

  • Quiero hablar con un cartero
  • ¿Dónde están los carteros?
  • Ruta de reparto
  • Servicio postal

In the street

  • Disculpe, cartero
  • ¿Tiene mi carta?
  • Buen día, cartero
  • La moto del cartero

At work

  • Entrégalo al cartero
  • Llegó el cartero
  • Firma del cartero
  • Correo interno

In a story

  • Había una vez un cartero
  • El cartero traía noticias
  • El cartero caminaba
  • La saca del cartero

会話のきっかけ

"¿Conoces al cartero de tu barrio?"

"¿Alguna vez has querido ser cartero?"

"¿Qué hace un cartero en un día de lluvia?"

"¿Prefieres que el cartero traiga cartas o paquetes?"

"¿Crees que el trabajo de cartero es difícil?"

日記のテーマ

Describe un día en la vida de un cartero en tu ciudad.

Escribe sobre una carta importante que recibiste del cartero.

¿Cómo crees que será el trabajo del cartero en el futuro?

Imagina que eres un cartero rural. ¿Qué historias verías?

¿Por qué es importante el cartero para las personas mayores?

よくある質問

10 問

Se dice 'la cartera'. Es la misma palabra que se usa para 'wallet', pero el contexto deja claro que se trata de una persona.

Es una palabra neutral. Se puede usar tanto en situaciones informales como en contextos profesionales sin problema.

Un cartero trabaja para el servicio postal nacional (como Correos), mientras que un mensajero suele trabajar para empresas privadas de mensajería urgente.

En español, cuando una persona es el objeto directo de un verbo, usamos la 'a' personal. 'A + el' se convierte en 'al'. Ejemplo: 'Espero al cartero'.

Sí, es universalmente entendida, aunque en algunos lugares se use más 'el correo' de forma coloquial.

Se suele llamar 'saca', 'mochila' o 'morral'.

Sí, suelen llevar un uniforme azul y amarillo, colores oficiales de la empresa estatal Correos.

Es una figura tradicional que recoge las cartas de los niños para los Reyes Magos durante la Navidad.

No es lo más común. Normalmente se dice 'el repartidor de Amazon'.

Se dice 'ser cartero'. No es necesario usar el artículo 'un' después del verbo 'ser'.

自分をテスト 180 問

writing

Describe el trabajo de un cartero en tres frases.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'cartera' como profesión.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Qué le dirías al cartero si te entrega una carta por error?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase con 'al cartero'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Imagina que eres cartero. ¿Qué es lo que más te gustaría de tu trabajo?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Por qué crees que el cartero es importante?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase corta en plural sobre los carteros.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una pregunta para el cartero sobre un paquete perdido.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Usa la palabra 'cartero' y 'buzón' en la misma frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el cartero real.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe el uniforme de un cartero.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'ser cartero'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

¿Qué herramientas usa un cartero?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre el cartero en un día de lluvia.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase comparando un cartero y un mensajero.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase con el verbo 'esperar' y 'cartero'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un cartero jubilado.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase con 'cartero rural'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'repartir' y 'cartero'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Crea un pequeño diálogo (2 líneas) con un cartero.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia 'cartero' tres veces enfatizando la 'e'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di en voz alta: 'El cartero trae cartas'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

¿Cómo saludarías al cartero por la mañana?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe al cartero de tu infancia.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explica la diferencia entre un cartero y un repartidor.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di una frase usando 'la cartera' (profesión).

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pregunta a alguien si ya pasó el cartero.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia 'cartero' y 'cartera' seguidos.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Imagina que el cartero te trae una carta de amor. ¿Qué dices?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di una frase con 'al cartero'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explica por qué los carteros son importantes.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di: 'El cartero rural viaja mucho'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

¿Qué lleva el cartero en su saca?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di una frase sobre el uniforme del cartero.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pregunta al cartero dónde está la oficina de correos.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia 'buzón' y 'cartero'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di: 'Los carteros son trabajadores públicos'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Habla sobre el 'cartero real' durante un minuto.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Di: 'Mi padre fue cartero durante veinte años'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronuncia 'repartidor' y compáralo con 'cartero'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Qué palabra escuchas: 'cartero' o 'carretero'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Escuchas masculino o femenino: 'la cartera'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿El cartero trae una carta o una tarta?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Cuántas sílabas tiene 'cartero'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿A qué hora pasa el cartero según el audio?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿El cartero está feliz o triste?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Qué dejó el cartero en el buzón?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Viene el cartero hoy?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿El cartero usa moto o bici?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Escuchas 'los carteros' o 'el cartero'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Qué le dio el cartero a la señora?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿De qué color es el uniforme?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Cómo se llama el cartero del audio?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿El cartero tiene mucho trabajo hoy?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

¿Qué animal asusta al cartero?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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