cartera
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico cartera is the common word for a wallet. Billetera is also understood, and a handbag is a bolsa.
Meaning: a wallet (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| cartera | everyday, Mexico |
| billetera | also used |
| bolsa | handbag |
People say Se me perdió la cartera when they lose their wallet. For a coin purse, monedero is the usual word.
Which one should you use?
In some countries cartera means a handbag, but in Mexico a handbag is usually bolsa. Do not mix them up when shopping.
Did you know?
- Cartera comes from carta, meaning paper or letter, since early wallets held papers.
Examples in context
- ¿Viste mi cartera?Did you see my wallet?
- Guardé el dinero en la cartera.I put the money in the wallet.
- Su bolsa es nueva.Her handbag is new.
Example conversation
Nora looks for her wallet at the checkout in a store in Querétaro.
- NoraAy, ¿dónde dejé mi cartera?Oh, where did I leave my wallet?
- CajeroEstá en su bolsa, señora.It is in your handbag, ma am.
- NoraGracias, qué distraída.Thanks, how absent minded.
