Spanish word

postal

Pronunciation

IPA/posˈtal/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpostcard

Example

Envié una postal desde la playa.

I sent a postcard from the beach.

Illustration for postal (postcard)

More examples

Mis abuelos conservan una postal del viaje de novios.

My grandparents keep a postcard from their honeymoon.

Core concept

Illustrated card with a picture on one side and space for an address and a short message.

Common phrases

  • escribir una postal

    write a postcard

  • comprar una postal

    buy a postcard

  • postal antigua

    old postcard

Similar words

tarjeta: Thin card of paper or cardstock for short messages or simple greetings.
carta: Long written message on paper meant for private, detailed communication in an envelope.
sobre: Paper envelope for enclosing letters or cards before sealing and mailing.
sello: Small adhesive stamp affixed to mail to pay postage.

Definition in Spanish

Tarjeta ilustrada utilizada como recuerdo o saludo, que lleva espacio para la dirección y un breve mensaje y suele enviarse por el servicio postal.

Word origin

Borrowed from French carte postale ('postcard'), Spanish postal developed as the noun for an illustrated card sent through the post.

Usage tips

  • Postal also serves as an adjective meaning 'postal', so speakers often say tarjeta postal or add context to make clear they mean a postcard.

Other meanings

  • postaladjective

Opposites

  • correo electrónicoemailnoun

Word lists with this word