bolsa
everyday
The general word for "bag" in Puerto Rico is bolsa, such as a shopping bag. A purse is a cartera and a backpack is a mochila.
Meaning: container for carrying things (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| bolsa | everyday |
| cartera | purse, Puerto Rico |
| mochila | backpack |
At a store you may hear ¿Quiere bolsa? when the cashier asks whether you want a bag.
Which one should you use?
Bolsa is a bag for groceries or gifts. Cartera is a woman's purse in Puerto Rico, while some other countries use bolso for that.
Did you know?
- In Puerto Rico cartera can also mean wallet, so context shows whether someone means a purse or a billfold.
Examples in context
- Necesito una bolsa más grande.I need a bigger bag.
- Dejé la cartera en el carro.I left my purse in the car.
- Mi mochila está en el salón.My backpack is in the classroom.
Example conversation
Isabel buys fruit from the vendor Doña Chelo at a market in Río Piedras.
- Doña Chelo¿Le pongo todo en una bolsa?Shall I put everything in one bag?
- IsabelSí, por favor.Yes, please.
- Doña CheloAquí tiene su bolsa.Here is your bag.
