vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Carpeta" is a noun which is often translated as "folder", and "archivador" is a noun which is often translated as "filing cabinet". Learn more about the difference between "carpeta" and "archivador" below.
la carpeta(
kahr
-
peh
-
tah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
b. file
Guardo todas las facturas en la carpeta que está sobre el escritorio.I keep all the bills in the file on the desk.
c. binder (with rings)
Tengo todas las notas de clase en mi carpeta.I have all my class notes in a binder.
2. (computing)
3. (case)
a. portfolio
Lucas siempre lleva una carpeta negra al trabajo.Lucas always carries a black portfolio to work.
4. (decoration) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. cover
La tía Paty nos tejió unas carpetas para los sillones.Aunt Paty knitted some covers for our armchairs.
b. table cover
Las mesas estaban decoradas con carpetas de encaje.The tables were decorated with lace table covers.
el archivador(
ahr
-
chee
-
bah
-
dohr
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (furniture)
a. filing cabinet
Necesito ayuda para mover el archivador metálico a mi nueva oficina.I need help moving the metal filing cabinet to my new office.
a. file
La profesora nos pidió traer archivadores de varios colores para organizar los documentos del colegio.The teacher asked us to bring in files of various colors to organize our school paperwork.
b. ring binder
Compré un lote de cuatro archivadores para el nuevo curso.I bought a pack of four ring binders for the new semester.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
3. (occupation)
a. file clerk (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Julián acaba de empezar de archivador en el negocio familiar.Julian has just started working as a file clerk in the family business.
b. filing clerk (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Por favor, entréguele las copias de sus documentos al archivador.Please leave the copies of your documents with the filing clerk.
c. archivist
El archivador te ayudará a buscar el libro y folio donde está tu registro civil de nacimiento.The archivist will help you find the book and page where your birth certificate is registered.
