bolsa
/bol-sah/
bag
A simple shopping bag illustrates the most common use of bolsa.
bolsa(Noun)
bag
?shopping bag, plastic bag
,sack
?large bag for goods
pouch
?small, flexible container
📝 In Action
¿Puedes traerme una bolsa de papel?
A1Can you bring me a paper bag?
Necesitamos tirar la basura en una bolsa grande.
A2We need to throw the trash in a large bag.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
Remember that 'bolsa' is always feminine. Use 'la bolsa' and describe it with feminine adjectives (e.g., 'una bolsa roja' - a red bag).
A fashionable handbag is also referred to as a bolsa.
📝 In Action
Perdí mi cartera dentro de la bolsa.
A2I lost my wallet inside the handbag.
Esta bolsa es de cuero y muy elegante.
B1This purse is made of leather and is very elegant.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Bolsa vs. Bolsillo
Mistake: "Using 'bolsa' when you mean a pocket in your clothing."
Correction: Use 'bolsillo' (masculine) for a pocket sewn into a garment. 'Mi celular está en mi bolsillo' (My cell phone is in my pocket).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Nuances
In many countries like Spain and Argentina, 'bolso' (masculine) is often preferred for a woman's handbag, while 'bolsa' is reserved for shopping bags or sacks. In other places, 'bolsa' works for both.
In finance, bolsa refers to the stock market itself.
bolsa(Noun)
stock market
?financial institution/concept
,stock exchange
?place of trading
grant
?often used in 'bolsa de estudios' (scholarship)
📝 In Action
Las acciones subieron hoy en la Bolsa de Nueva York.
B2The stocks rose today on the New York Stock Exchange.
Él invierte en la bolsa desde hace diez años.
C1He has been investing in the stock market for ten years.
💡 Grammar Points
The name of the place
When talking about the physical place of the stock market, always use the definite article 'la': 'la bolsa'.
The swelling or puffiness beneath the eye is known as a bolsa (eye bag).
📝 In Action
Ella tiene unas bolsas enormes bajo los ojos por no dormir.
B1She has huge bags under her eyes from not sleeping.
Necesito una crema para reducir las bolsas de los ojos.
B2I need a cream to reduce the puffiness under my eyes.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
When referring to swelling under the eyes, this word is almost always used in the plural: 'las bolsas'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bolsa
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bolsa' in its financial sense?
📚 More Resources
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.