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"Naipe" is a noun which is often translated as "playing card", and "carta" is a noun which is often translated as "letter". Learn more about the difference between "naipe" and "carta" below.
el naipe(
nay
-
peh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. playing card
Para jugar este juego, necesitamos naipes.We need playing cards to play this game.
b. card
El jugador que se quede sin naipes primero, gana.The player who gets rid of all his cards first, wins.
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la carta(
kahr
-
tah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. letter
Ya no se escriben tantas cartas como antes.People do not write as many letters as they used to.
a. menu
¡Camarero! La carta, por favor.Waiter! The menu, please.
a. card
A esta baraja le faltan cinco cartas.This deck is missing five cards.
a. charter
La Carta de las Naciones Unidas se firmó en 1945.The Charter of the United Nations was signed in 1945.
a. map (land)
Tiene una carta topográfica de Canadá sobre su escritorio.He has a topographic map of Canada above his desk.
b. chart (sea)
Necesitaremos una carta náutica para navegar la mar.We will need a nautical chart to sail the sea.
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