Inklingo

How to Say "bag" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bolsa

BOHL-soh/'bolso/

nounA1general
Use 'bolsa' for general-purpose bags, shopping bags, handbags, or trash bags. It's the most versatile term.
A brightly colored leather handbag with a strap and a simple clasp resting on a flat surface.

Examples

Compré pan en la bolsa del supermercado.

I bought bread in the supermarket bag.

Dejé mi teléfono en el bolso antes de salir.

I left my phone in my handbag before leaving.

Este bolso es de cuero y es muy elegante.

This purse is made of leather and is very elegant.

Siempre llevo un libro pequeño en mi bolso.

I always carry a small book in my bag.

Masculine Gender Rule

Even though many things related to fashion and accessories are feminine, 'bolso' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el bolso' or 'un bolso'.

Confusing 'Bolso' and 'Bolsa'

Mistake: “Using 'la bolso' or 'el bolsa'.”

Correction: 'Bolso' is masculine (el bolso) and usually means a personal handbag. 'Bolsa' is feminine (la bolsa) and usually means a shopping bag, plastic bag, or sack.

maleta

mah-LEH-tah/maˈleta/

nounA1general
Use 'maleta' specifically for luggage or suitcases carried when traveling.
A single, bright red, rectangular travel suitcase with a handle, depicted in a simple style.

Examples

La aerolínea perdió mi maleta en el aeropuerto.

The airline lost my suitcase at the airport.

Mi maleta está demasiado pesada para el avión.

My suitcase is too heavy for the plane.

Abre la maleta, por favor. Quiero ver lo que empacaste.

Open the bag, please. I want to see what you packed.

Siempre viajo con una maleta de mano para evitar la fila de equipaje.

I always travel with a carry-on bag to avoid the luggage line.

Gender Rule

Remember that 'maleta' is always feminine. You must use feminine words with it: 'una maleta' (a suitcase), 'la maleta roja' (the red suitcase).

Using the wrong word for small bags

Mistake: “Using 'maleta' for a small purse or wallet.”

Correction: Use 'bolso' or 'cartera' for smaller, everyday bags. 'Maleta' is reserved for travel luggage.

saco

SAH-koh/ˈsa.ko/

nounA1general
Use 'saco' for a sack, often made of sturdy material, used to hold large quantities of goods like potatoes or grain.
A large, simple brown woven cloth sack, tied shut near the top, sitting on a plain surface.

Examples

El granjero guardó los granos en un saco grande.

The farmer stored the grains in a large sack.

El granjero llenó el saco de papas.

The farmer filled the sack of potatoes.

Lleva un saco elegante para la reunión.

He is wearing a smart jacket for the meeting.

Necesito un saco de dormir para acampar.

I need a sleeping bag for camping.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in 'o,' remember to use the masculine articles: 'el saco' or 'un saco'.

Bolsa vs. Maleta

Learners often confuse 'bolsa' and 'maleta'. Remember that 'maleta' is exclusively for travel luggage like suitcases. 'Bolsa' is for almost any other type of bag, including shopping bags and handbags.

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