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bolsa

bol-sah/ˈbol.sa/

bag, sack

Also: pouch
NounfA1
Mexico
A simple, colorful plastic shopping bag, slightly crumpled, resting on a flat surface.

📝 In Action

¿Puedes traerme una bolsa de papel?

A1

Can you bring me a paper bag?

Necesitamos tirar la basura en una bolsa grande.

A2

We need to throw the trash in a large bag.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • saco (sack)
  • talego (sack (large))

Common Collocations

  • bolsa de plástico – plastic bag
  • bolsa de la compra – shopping bag

handbag, purse

Also: satchel
NounfA1
Spain, Argentina
A stylish red leather handbag with a prominent gold clasp resting on a small wooden table.

📝 In Action

Perdí mi cartera dentro de la bolsa.

A2

I lost my wallet inside the handbag.

Esta bolsa es de cuero y muy elegante.

B1

This purse is made of leather and is very elegant.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bolso (handbag (masculine form))
  • cartera (wallet/purse (in some regions))

Common Collocations

  • bolsa de mano – handbag

stock market, stock exchange

Also: grant
NounfB2
A majestic, ornate classical building facade with tall columns, symbolizing a major financial exchange or stock market.

📝 In Action

Las acciones subieron hoy en la Bolsa de Nueva York.

B2

The stocks rose today on the New York Stock Exchange.

Él invierte en la bolsa desde hace diez años.

C1

He has been investing in the stock market for ten years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mercado de valores (securities market)

Common Collocations

  • bolsa de valores – stock exchange
  • bolsa de estudios – scholarship/grant

eye bag, puffiness

Also: sac
NounfB1
A close-up illustration of a face showing noticeable, slight swelling or puffiness directly beneath one eye.

📝 In Action

Ella tiene unas bolsas enormes bajo los ojos por no dormir.

B1

She has huge bags under her eyes from not sleeping.

Necesito una crema para reducir las bolsas de los ojos.

B2

I need a cream to reduce the puffiness under my eyes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ojera (dark circle)

Common Collocations

  • bolsas bajo los ojos – bags under the eyes

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bolsa

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'bolsa' in its financial sense?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
bolsillo(pocket (in clothing)) — Noun
bolsita(small bag (diminutive)) — Noun
embolsar(to pocket / to take in money) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Late Latin term *bursa*, meaning 'leather purse' or 'pouch,' which itself originated from the Ancient Greek word *byrsa*, referring to animal hide or skin. The meaning evolved over time from a specific leather container to any kind of flexible container.

First recorded: Medieval Latin period

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bolsaFrench: bourseItalian: borsa

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'bolsa' and 'bolsillo'?

Think of 'bolsa' as something you carry (a shopping bag, a handbag, or a sack), and 'bolsillo' (masculine) as the small container that is sewn into your clothing, like a pants pocket or jacket pocket.

How do I say 'I have bags under my eyes'?

The most common way is to use the plural and the verb 'tener': 'Tengo bolsas bajo los ojos' (I have bags under the eyes). You can also use 'ojeras' (dark circles) if the problem is more about color than puffiness.