bolsillos
/bol-SEE-yos/
pockets
In clothing, 'bolsillos' refers to pockets used for carrying small items.
📝 In Action
Siempre pierdo las monedas en los bolsillos de mi chaqueta.
A1I always lose coins in my jacket pockets.
Este vestido no tiene bolsillos, lo cual es un problema.
A2This dress doesn't have pockets, which is a problem.
💡 Grammar Points
Plurality
'Bolsillos' is the plural form of the masculine noun 'bolsillo' (pocket). It always uses the masculine plural article 'los'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Article
Mistake: "Poner las llaves en la bolsillos."
Correction: Poner las llaves en los bolsillos. Remember, 'bolsillo' is masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'De' to Specify Location
To specify which clothing item the pockets belong to, use 'de': 'los bolsillos del pantalón' (the pockets of the trousers).
Figuratively, 'bolsillos' can refer to a person's funds or financial resources.
📝 In Action
Ese coche de lujo está fuera del alcance de mis bolsillos.
B1That luxury car is out of reach of my funds (pockets).
La crisis afectó los bolsillos de la mayoría de las familias.
B2The crisis affected the finances of most families.
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphor for Money
This meaning is a common metaphor: the pocket represents where you keep your money. Phrases often describe whether something is 'within reach' ('al alcance') or 'out of reach' ('fuera del alcance').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Direct Translation of 'Broke'
Mistake: "Estoy bolsillos vacíos."
Correction: Estoy sin blanca or Tengo los bolsillos vacíos (I have empty pockets). Use the complete phrase.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Afectar'
When talking about financial hardship, it is very natural to say 'afectar los bolsillos' (to affect the pockets/finances).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bolsillos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bolsillos' in its figurative meaning (referring to money)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bolsillos' used for the pockets of a pool table or billiard table?
Yes, 'bolsillos' is the correct word for the pockets on a pool or billiard table. You would say 'meter la bola en el bolsillo' (to put the ball in the pocket).
How do I say 'deep pockets' when referring to wealth?
You can use the phrase 'tener bolsillos profundos' or, more commonly, 'tener los bolsillos forrados' (to have lined pockets), which means being very rich.