Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sacco | /ˈsak.ko/ | masculine |
| busta | /ˈbus.ta/ | feminine |
In Italian, the word used for "bag" depends heavily on the object's weight and purpose. sacco refers to large, heavy-duty sacks, such as those used for flour or potatoes. busta refers to smaller, lighter containers like paper bags, plastic shopping bags or envelopes. For a general term describing a handbag, purse or a bag used for carrying personal items, use borsa. Additionally, the colloquial phrase un sacco di is frequently used to mean "a lot of" or "many".
Which one should you use?
Use sacco for large, heavy-duty containers such as sacks of flour, potato sacks or sleeping bags. In contrast, use busta for smaller, lighter containers like paper bags, plastic shopping bags or envelopes.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sacco is a masculine noun, while busta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word sacco is pronounced /ˈsak.ko/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word borsa is used not only for a handbag but also for the 'stock market' in Italian.
- The word busta comes from the Latin buxus, which refers to the 'boxwood' tree. This is because early boxes were crafted from this specific type of wood.
- While busta means 'bag', it is also used in the phrase busta paga to mean a 'paycheck' or 'pay slip'.
Examples in context
- Dov'è il mio sacco a pelo?Where's my sleeping bag?This sentence shows how to use sacco in the phrase for a sleeping bag.Tatoeba #13290200 by Guybrush88, translation #12245039 by Orange
- William è un sacco d'ossa.William is a bag of bones.This sentence uses sacco in a metaphorical expression.Tatoeba #13339153 by Guybrush88, translation #9018648 by 2001
- Ziri portò un sacco a pelo.Ziri brought a sleeping bag.This sentence demonstrates the use of sacco in the context of a sleeping bag.Tatoeba #13338658 by Guybrush88, translation #11195897 by Amastan
- Mi scusi, potrebbe riporre la borsetta qui?Excuse me, could you place your bag here?
- Porto sempre con me una borsetta elegante.I always carry an elegant bag with me.
- Hai visto la mia borsa? L'ho dimenticata in ufficio.Have you seen my bag? I left it at the office.
- Vorrei comprare una nuova borsa da viaggio per le vacanze.I would like to buy a new travel bag for the holidays.
- Il borsone da palestra è troppo ingombrante.The gym bag is too bulky.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are at the local market.
- LorenzoChiara, puoi aiutarmi con questo sacco?Chiara, can you help me with this bag?
- ChiaraCerto, Lorenzo, è molto pesante.Sure, Lorenzo, it is very heavy.
- LorenzoÈ un sacco di riso.It is a bag of rice.
- ChiaraAllora portiamolo subito in macchina.Then let's take it to the car right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bag” translations and entries sacco, busta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries busta, sacco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
