Inklingo

bolsillo

bol-SEE-yo/bolˈsiʎo/

bolsillo means pocket in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

pocket

Also: pouch
NounmA1
A close-up view of a simple, empty, blue denim pocket sewn into a piece of clothing.

📝 In Action

Siempre llevo mis llaves en el bolsillo derecho del pantalón.

A1

I always carry my keys in the right pocket of my trousers.

Esta chaqueta tiene un bolsillo interior muy útil para la cartera.

A2

This jacket has a very useful inside pocket for the wallet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • saquito (small bag)

Common Collocations

  • bolsillo traseroback pocket
  • bolsillo de parchepatch pocket (sewn on the outside)

financial means

Also: funds
NounmB1
A cartoon hand reaching into a tan-colored pocket and pulling out a small wad of colorful paper money.

📝 In Action

Esa casa de lujo está fuera de mi bolsillo.

B1

That luxury house is out of my price range (literally: out of my pocket).

Los libros de bolsillo son mucho más baratos que las ediciones de tapa dura.

B2

Pocket books (paperbacks) are much cheaper than the hardback editions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • de bolsillosmall, portable, or cheap (like 'pocket-sized')
  • tener el bolsillo sueltoto be generous or spend money easily

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bolsillo" in Spanish:

financial meansfundspocketpouch

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bolsillo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'bolsillo' in its figurative sense (related to money)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
bolsa(bag, purse, sack)Noun
embolsar(to pocket (money), to bag)Verb
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The word 'bolsillo' comes from the Spanish word 'bolsa' (meaning 'bag' or 'purse') combined with the diminutive ending '-illo'. This literally means 'little bag,' which perfectly describes a pocket sewn into clothing.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bolsoItalian: borsello

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

'Bolsillo' is specifically the small pouch sewn into an item of clothing (like trousers or a jacket). 'Bolsa' is a separate, external object, like a shopping bag, a purse, or a handbag.

How do I say 'deep pockets' (meaning rich) in Spanish?

You can say 'tener los bolsillos profundos' (to have deep pockets) or, more commonly, 'tener mucho dinero' (to have a lot of money) or 'ser adinerado' (to be wealthy).