bolsos
/bolsos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "handbags" is translated into Spanish as bolsos.
bolsos refers to small bags used mainly by women to carry personal items.
Which one should you use?
While bolso is the general term for a handbag, the word cartera is often used in some regions to refer specifically to a purse or a small clutch.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, the word morrales is used to describe large, casual handbags.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun. The singular form is bolso and uses the masculine article el (el bolso). The plural form is bolsos and uses the masculine article los (los bolsos).
How do you pronounce it?
/bolsos/
Did you know?
- The word bolso comes from the Old French word 'borse', which originally referred to a leather pouch. This makes bolso a distant relative of the English word 'purse'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word cartera refers to a wallet for cash and cards rather than a handbag. Using it to mean a handbag in Spain might lead someone to think you are talking about your wallet.
- While bolso is the standard term, the word bolsa is often used in a casual way to mean a bag, but be careful as it also commonly means a 'plastic shopping bag' or a 'sack'.
Examples in context
- Jane tiene cinco bolsos de mano.Jane has five handbags.This sentence shows how to express the quantity of bolsos a person owns.Tatoeba #2857559 by Besatnias, translation #53788 by CN
- Por favor, no incitar al delito dejando los bolsos y objetos de valor en su asiento desatendidos.Please do not invite crime by leaving handbags and valuables on your seat unattended.This sentence is a warning regarding the security of bolsos and other valuables in public spaces.Tatoeba #5694974 by albrusgher, translation #3078186 by marafon
- Busco un bolso pequeño de diseñadorI'm looking for a small designer handbag
- Necesito una cartera de cuero negraI need a black leather handbag
- Hay muchos bolsos de colores en la tienda.There are many colorful handbags in the shop.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are shopping at a boutique.
- AlejandroElena, ¿te gustan estos bolsos?Elena, do you like these handbags?
- ElenaSí, son muy bonitos.Yes, they are very pretty.
- AlejandroEse bolso negro es elegante.That black handbag is elegant.
- ElenaTienes razón, me lo voy a llevar.You're right, I'm going to take it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
