Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bolsa | /ˈbolsa/ | feminine |
| saquito | /saˈkito/ | masculine |
| petaca | /peˈtaka/ | feminine |
Bolsa is the general term used for a bag or a pouch in Spanish. It can also refer to a larger shopping bag. For more specific items, you might use monedero for a coin purse or wallet or cartuchera for a pencil case or a small pouch designed for organizing stationery.
Which one should you use?
Bolsa is the most common and general term for a bag or pouch. Saquito is a diminutive form of the word saco (sack) and is used to describe a small, often fabric, pouch. Petaca is a more colloquial term that often refers specifically to a small pouch used for carrying items like a flask or tobacco.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, a carriel is a traditional, handcrafted pouch typically used by men. In parts of Bolivia and Peru, a chuspa refers to a small textile pouch used to carry coca leaves or other personal belongings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural, use bolsas for bolsa, saquitos for saquito and petacas for petaca.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbolsa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word bolsa is used not only for a pouch or bag but also to refer to the stock market.
- The word petaca originates from the Nahuatl word petlācalli, which described a woven wicker hamper. It combines the terms for 'woven mat' and 'boat'.
Examples in context
- Tengo una bolsa llena de cristales de quarzo.I have a pouch full of clear quartz crystals.This sentence demonstrates how to use bolsa to describe a container for crystals.Tatoeba #7060771 by mervert1, translation #7060732 by mervert1
- La palabra «marsupial» proviene del latín marsupium, que significa «bolsa».The word "marsupial" comes from the Latin "marsupium", which means "pouch".This sentence shows the linguistic origin of the word bolsa.Tatoeba #12167107 by Adelpa, translation #13883917 by araneo
- Guarda las joyas en la bolsita para que no se pierdan.Keep the jewelry in the pouch so they won't get lost.
- Guarda el dinero en la bolsa.Keep the money in the pouch.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are preparing for a hike.
- Elena¿Tienes la bolsa para las semillas?Do you have the pouch for the seeds?
- MateoSí, la tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have it in my backpack.
- ElenaPerfecto, Mateo, ya estamos listos.Perfect, Mateo, we are ready now.
- MateoVamos, que nos espera una gran aventura.Let's go, a great adventure awaits us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pouch” translations and entries bolsa, saquito, petaca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolsa, petaca, saquito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
