del bolsillo
/del bolsiʝo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'out of pocket' can be translated into Spanish as del bolsillo. Wiktionary also lists de su bolsico.
Meaning: out of one's own pocket (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| del bolsillo | /del bolsiʝo/ (from spelling rules) |
| de su bolsico | /de su bolsiko/ (from spelling rules) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase del bolsillo is a literal translation of 'from the pocket', where del is a contraction of de (from/of) and el (the).
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify whose pocket the money is coming from, use de su bolsillo (his/her/their pocket) or de mi bolsillo (my pocket) instead of the generic del bolsillo.
How do you pronounce it?
/del bolsiʝo/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'out of pocket' to mean unavailable, in Spanish del bolsillo strictly refers to the source of funds.
- The word bolsillo is actually a diminutive of bolso, meaning it literally translates to 'little bag'.
- Adding the word propio to the phrase pagar de su propio bolsillo creates a strong emotional emphasis that the payer is being unfairly burdened.
Examples in context
- El arreglo de mi auto salió de mi bolsillo.The car repair came out of my pocket.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a business trip expense.
- JavierElena, ¿pagaste el hotel del bolsillo?Elena, did you pay for the hotel out of your own pocket?
- ElenaSí, Javier, pero la empresa me lo devolverá.Yes, Javier, but the company will pay me back.
- JavierEs bueno que no gastes mucho del bolsillo.It's good that you don't spend much out of your own pocket.
- ElenaLo sé, por eso guardé todos los recibos.I know, that's why I kept all the receipts.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “out of pocket” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolsillo, de, del, su, CC BY-SA 4.0.
