bolsillo
/bol-SEE-yo/
A bolsillo is a pocket, often sewn into clothing.
📝 In Action
Siempre llevo mis llaves en el bolsillo derecho del pantalón.
A1I always carry my keys in the right pocket of my trousers.
Esta chaqueta tiene un bolsillo interior muy útil para la cartera.
A2This jacket has a very useful inside pocket for the wallet.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' before 'bolsillo' since it ends in -o.
⭐ Usage Tips
Prepositions with Bolsillo
To talk about putting something inside, use 'en el bolsillo' (in the pocket) or 'dentro del bolsillo' (inside the pocket).
Bolsillo can also refer metaphorically to one's financial means or funds.
📝 In Action
Esa casa de lujo está fuera de mi bolsillo.
B1That 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.
B2Pocket books (paperbacks) are much cheaper than the hardback editions.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'bolsillo' refers to money, it emphasizes personal affordability. Use 'fuera de mi bolsillo' to mean 'too expensive for me'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Bolsa' instead of 'Bolsillo'
Mistake: "Using 'Mi bolsa está vacía' to mean 'My pocket is empty' (when referring to clothing)."
Correction: Use 'Mi bolsillo está vacío.' 'Bolsa' usually means a shopping bag or purse, not the pocket in a garment.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bolsillo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bolsillo' in its figurative sense (related to money)?
📚 More Resources
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).