Inklingo

How to Say "bag" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bolsa

BOHL-soh'bolso

nounA1general
Use 'bolsa' for a general-purpose bag, like a shopping bag, plastic bag, or a reusable tote.
A brightly colored leather handbag with a strap and a simple clasp resting on a flat surface.

Examples

Necesito una bolsa para la compra.

I need a bag for the shopping.

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-tahmaˈleta

nounA1general
Use 'maleta' specifically for a suitcase or trunk used for travel.
A single, bright red, rectangular travel suitcase with a handle, depicted in a simple style.

Examples

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-kohˈsa.ko

nounA1general
Use 'saco' for a large sack, typically made of fabric or paper, used for holding bulk items like potatoes or grain.
A large, simple brown woven cloth sack, tied shut near the top, sitting on a plain surface.

Examples

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'.

valija

ba-LEE-hahbaˈlixa

nounA1general
Use 'valija' for a small suitcase or travel bag, often carried by hand.
A classic brown leather suitcase standing upright with a handle and metal latches.

Examples

Tengo que preparar la valija para mi viaje mañana.

I have to pack my suitcase for my trip tomorrow.

Esa valija roja es muy pesada.

That red suitcase is very heavy.

Perdí mi valija en el aeropuerto de Buenos Aires.

I lost my suitcase at the Buenos Aires airport.

Gender and Endings

Since it ends in -a, it is a feminine word. Use 'la' or 'una' with it.

The 'V' Sound

In Spanish, the letter 'v' sounds exactly like a 'b'. Don't bite your lip like you do in English; keep your lips together.

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “el valija”

Correction: la valija (it is a feminine noun).

Bolsa vs. Maleta for Luggage

Learners often confuse 'bolsa' and 'maleta'. Remember that 'maleta' is exclusively for travel suitcases, while 'bolsa' is a more general term for shopping bags or everyday carryalls.

Related Translations

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