Papel can name the material; papeles can name papers or documents.
The idea
Use el papel for the material and los papeles for papers in context.
Examples
- Necesito papel para escribir.I need paper to write.
- El papel está sobre la mesa.The paper is on the table.
- Esta bolsa es de papel.This bag is made of paper.
- Hay varios papeles firmados en la carpeta.There are several signed papers in the folder.
- Ana dibuja en una hoja de papel.Ana draws on a sheet of paper.
- Guardamos los papeles importantes.We keep the important papers.
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Watch out
Papel has other meanings, including a role; these examples focus on material and documents.
Try it yourself
Choose the masculine article: ___ papel está sobre la mesa. (El / La)
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El
El is the masculine singular article for papel.
Choose the adjective agreeing with papeles: Guardamos los papeles ___. (importantes / importante)
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importantes
Papeles is plural, so the adjective is importantes.
Choose the material described: Quiero escribir en una hoja física, no en una pantalla: necesito ___. (papel / una pantalla)
Show answer or example answer
papel
A physical sheet for writing is made of papel.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the masculine article: ___ papel está sobre la mesa. (El / La)
Choose the adjective agreeing with papeles: Guardamos los papeles ___. (importantes / importante)
Choose the material described: Quiero escribir en una hoja física, no en una pantalla: necesito ___. (papel / una pantalla)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe what you write on and where you keep important papers.