bolsos
/bolsos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "purses" is translated into Spanish as bolsos.
The word refers to bags used by people to carry personal items. To specify a bag used for fashion or carrying personal items, you can use the phrase bolso de mano.
Which one should you use?
While bolsos refers to larger handbags or purses, carteras is often used to refer specifically to smaller women's purses or wallets. In Spain, carteras is also the common term for wallets.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word carteras is often used to refer to wallets.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is bolso.
How do you pronounce it?
/bolsos/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cartera shares the same root as carta, meaning 'letter'. This is because the word originally described the leather cases used to carry and protect official correspondence.
- In some formal contexts, a minister's official department or 'portfolio' is called a cartera, meaning the minister is the titular de la cartera.
- In Mexico, the word bolsa is frequently used for a handbag, whereas in Spain, a bolsa usually refers to a plastic or paper shopping bag.
Examples in context
- Me encantan tus bolsos, ¿dónde los compraste?I love your purses, where did you buy them?
- ¿Podría mostrarme su selección de carteras, por favor?Could you show me your selection of purses, please?
- ¡Qué lindas tus bolsas nuevas!How cute are your new purses!
- Voy a comprar unos bolsitos para la fiesta.I'm going to buy some purses for the party.
- Me gustan mucho tus bolsos.I really like your purses.
- Ella tiene varios bolsos de cuero.She has several leather purses.
- Los bolsos están en la mesa.The purses are on the table.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are shopping at a boutique.
- MateoMaría, mira estos bolsos.María, look at these purses.
- MaríaSon muy bonitos, Mateo.They are very pretty, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Quieres comprar uno de ellos?Do you want to buy one of them?
- MaríaSí, me encanta este color.Yes, I love this color.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
