borsa
/ˈbor.sa/feminine
The English phrase purse can be translated into Italian as borsa. Wiktionary also lists borsellino.
Meaning: small bag for carrying money (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| borsa | /ˈbor.sa/ | feminine |
| borsellino | masculine |
borsa is a general term used for various types of bags, including handbags, tote bags and larger purses used to carry personal items.
Which one should you use?
borsa refers to a general handbag or a larger purse. In contrast, borsellino is a diminutive form used specifically for a very small pouch or a coin purse. The term borsello is also used to describe a small purse or a pouch, which is typically carried by men.
How does it change in a sentence?
borsa is a feminine noun, while borsellino is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbor.sa/
Did you know?
- The word borsa is also the Italian term for the 'stock exchange'. This refers to the historical practice of traders meeting in a place where they carried their money in pouches.
- In Italian, the phrase fare borsa does not mean to pack a bag, but rather refers to the act of pooling money together for a common expense.
- The word borsa shares its roots with the English word 'burse', which refers to a pouch or a fund used in historical university settings.
Examples in context
- Non ho la mia borsa.I don't have my purse.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not have your borsa.Tatoeba #8029535 by Guybrush88, translation #2276044 by CK
- La borsa ha un buco.The purse has a hole.This sentence is useful for noting that the borsa has a hole.Tatoeba #9708693 by Guybrush88, translation #9400930 by DJ_Saidez
- La sua borsa è aperta.Your purse is open.This sentence is useful for stating that the borsa is open.Tatoeba #3785152 by Guybrush88, translation #1552922 by CK
- Mi scusi, dove posso trovare una borsetta di pelle?Excuse me, where can I find a leather purse?
- Ho bisogno di comprare una nuova borsetta per l'ufficio.I need to buy a new purse for the office.
- Guarda questa borsa, è stupenda!Look at this purse, it's gorgeous!
- Ho perso la mia borsa, mi sento disperata.I lost my purse, I feel desperate.
- Le borse a tracolla sono molto comodeShoulder bags are very convenient
- Mi piacciono le borsette con le frangeI like purses with fringes
- Hai visto le ultime tendenze delle borse a secchiello?Have you seen the latest bucket bag trends?
- Mi scusi, sa indicarmi dov'è il negozio di borse più vicino?Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest purse store is?
- Sto cercando un negozio di borse di lusso. Sa dove posso trovarne uno?I'm looking for a luxury purse store. Do you know where I can find one?
- Questa borsa costa troppo, è troppo cara per meThis purse is too expensive, it's too costly for me
- Mi piacerebbe trovare una borsa di buona qualità a un prezzo ragionevoleI would like to find a good quality purse at a reasonable price
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are leaving a cafe.
- GiuliaDove hai messo la mia borsa?Where did you put my purse?
- MatteoÈ sul tavolo, Giulia.It is on the table, Giulia.
- GiuliaGrazie, pensavo di averla persa.Thanks, I thought I had lost it.
- MatteoPrendi tutto e andiamo.Take everything and let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purse” translations and entries borsa, borsellino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries borsa, borsellino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
