Spanish word

bolso

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbolso/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbag

Example

He perdido mi bolso.

I have lost my bag.

Illustration for bolso (bag)

More examples

Siempre llevo mi bolso conmigo cuando salgo.

I always carry my bag with me when I go out.

Core concept

Personal handbag or shoulder bag for carrying small belongings.

Common phrases

  • perder el bolso

    lose the bag

  • llevar el bolso

    carry the bag

  • abrir el bolso

    open the bag

Similar words

bolsa: Lightweight thin bag of paper or plastic used to carry shopping or other loose items.
mochila: Large bag with shoulder straps worn on the back, for books and heavier belongings.
cartera: Slim wallet that holds banknotes and cards for everyday transactions.
monedero: Small coin purse for holding loose change.

Definition in Spanish

Pieza ligera hecha de tela, cuero u otro material destinada a contener pertenencias personales y a llevarse junto al cuerpo como accesorio práctico.

Word origin

From Latin bursa 'pouch', via Romance forms such as Italian borsa and Old Spanish bolsa, with bolso becoming the Spanish term for a personal carrying bag.

Usage tips

  • Bolso normally names a personal purse or shoulder bag, while bolsa refers to a shopping or plastic bag and cartera means wallet.

Other meanings

  • handbagnoun
  • shoulder bagnoun

Related words

  • bolsónlarge bagnoun
  • bolsitasmall bagnoun
  • bolsillopocketnoun

Word lists with this word