Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| sacola | /saˈkɔ.lɐ/ (Brazil) /sɐˈkɔ.lɐ/ (Portugal) |
| saco | /ˈsa.ku/ (Brazil) /ˈsa.ku/ (Portugal) |
The term for bag depends on the type of container and the context. sacola is the standard word for lightweight shopping bags, such as those made of plastic or paper. You can specify the material by saying sacola de plástico for a plastic bag or sacola de papel for a paper bag. saco is a common and widely used term for a bag, but it often refers to larger, heavier or more industrial containers like a sack of flour or a trash bag. Additionally, bolsa can mean a bag in a broad sense, though it is often translated as purse or handbag.
Which one should you use?
sacola is typically used for lightweight shopping bags, such as those used when asking a cashier for a bag at a supermarket or store. In contrast, saco is used for larger or more industrial containers like sacks.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the term mala is commonly used to refer to a larger bag or a suitcase for traveling. In some regions of Brazil, bolsa de mão is used to refer explicitly to a small bag or purse carried by hand.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈkɔ.lɐ/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, saco can refer to a bag, but it is also the common anatomical term for the 'scrotum'.
- While bolsa means 'bag' or 'purse', it is also the word for the 'stock market' in Portuguese.
- The phrase estou com um saco is used colloquially in some regions to mean 'I am bored' or 'I am fed up'.
Examples in context
- O saco está vazio.The bag is empty.This is useful for saying the saco is empty.Tatoeba #7136260 by alexmarcelo, translation #2592897 by WestofEden
- O saco está cheio.The bag is full.This is useful for saying the saco is full.Tatoeba #9953182 by lucasmg123, translation #2478232 by al_ex_an_der
- O que está na sacola?What's in the bag?This is useful for asking what is inside a sacola.Tatoeba #2726780 by Ricardo14, translation #2648230 by CK
- A bolsa de couro é extremamente bonita.The leather bag is extremely beautiful.
- Vou pegar minha bolsinha antes de irmos.I'm going to grab my little bag before we go.
- Preciso colocar isso na mochila.I need to put this in the bag/backpack.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are finishing their shopping at a supermarket.
- LucasEsta sacola está muito pesada, Mariana.This bag is very heavy, Mariana.
- MarianaEu ajudo você a carregá-la.I will help you carry it.
- LucasObrigado, pegue a outra sacola para mim.Thanks, grab the other bag for me.
- MarianaEstá bem, Lucas, eu pego.All right, Lucas, I'll get it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bag” translations and entries sacola, saco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
