bolsa de lavandería
/bolsa de labandeɾia/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "laundry bag" is bolsa de lavandería.
A bolsa de lavandería refers to a bag used for holding clothes that need to be washed. In a domestic setting, Spanish speakers are more likely to describe the bag by its function, calling it a bolsa para la ropa sucia (bag for dirty clothes) rather than using the literal translation of 'laundry bag'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bolsa de lavandería is composed of bolsa (bag), de (of) and lavandería (laundry/laundry business).
Which one should you use?
The word saco can be used instead of bolsa if the container is a larger, heavier-duty sack.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the term bolsa de ropa sucia is commonly used. In Mexico and Central America, bolsa para la ropa sucia is a common term.
How do you pronounce it?
/bolsa de labandeɾia/
Did you know?
- The word bolsa is used in Spanish to describe both a shopping bag and the stock market, as both involve a 'pocket' or 'exchange' of value.
- Because 'lavandería' often refers to the physical business of a laundry, calling a bag a bolsa de lavandería can sound to a native speaker as if the bag belongs to the shop rather than your home.
- The word bolsa shares an ancient linguistic ancestor with the English word 'purse', specifically the word 'burse'.
Examples in context
- Podría indicarme dónde puedo encontrar una bolsa de lavandería en este hotel?Could you please tell me where I can find a laundry bag in this hotel?
- No olvides meter la ropa sucia en la bolsa para la ropa sucia antes de llevarla a la lavandería.Don't forget to put the dirty clothes in the laundry bag before taking them to the laundry.
- Óscar, no dejes la ropa tirada por ahí, mejor ponla en la bolsa para la ropa sucia.Óscar, don't leave your clothes lying around, it's better to put them in the laundry bag.
- No encuentro el costal (=bolsa de ropa sucia) para recoger la ropa.I can't find the laundry bag to gather the clothes.
- Necesito una bolsa de lavandería nueva.I need a new laundry bag.
- Pon la ropa en la bolsa de lavandería.Put the clothes in the laundry bag.
- La bolsa de lavandería está muy llena.The laundry bag is very full.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are cleaning their bedroom.
- Sofía¿Dónde está la bolsa de lavandería?Where is the laundry bag?
- MateoEstá detrás de la puerta, Sofía.It is behind the door, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo. La voy a usar ahora.Thanks, Mateo. I'm going to use it now.
- MateoDe nada, ayuda mucho tenerla.You're welcome, it helps a lot to have it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolsa, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
