Inklingo

How to Say "billfold" in Spanish

English → Spanish

billetera

/bee-yeh-TEH-rah//bi.ʎeˈte.ɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'billetera' when the primary focus is on holding paper money, common in many Spanish-speaking countries.
A high quality storybook illustration showing a closed blue leather wallet resting on a wooden surface.

Examples

¿Dónde está mi billetera? No la encuentro.

Where is my wallet? I can't find it.

Puso todos sus documentos y tarjetas en la billetera nueva.

She put all her documents and cards in the new wallet.

Aunque la billetera estaba bastante vieja, se negaba a reemplazarla.

Even though the billfold was quite old, he refused to replace it.

Gender Check

Remember that 'billetera' is a feminine word. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la billetera', 'mi billetera roja').

Using 'billetero'

Mistake: “Using the masculine form 'billetero' when referring to the object.”

Correction: Always use 'billetera' (feminine). 'Billetero' technically means someone who sells tickets, or a case for bills, but the common object is 'billetera'.

cartera

/kar-TEH-ra//kaɾˈteɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'cartera' for a wallet that holds cards and money, particularly in North American Spanish, and also for a handbag or briefcase.
A brown leather wallet, folded shut, with the corners of several green bills visible sticking out of the top edge.

Examples

Perdí mi cartera con todas mis tarjetas de crédito.

I lost my wallet with all my credit cards.

Siempre llevo mi móvil y las llaves en la cartera.

I always carry my phone and keys in my purse.

Gender Check

'Cartera' is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine words before it, like 'la cartera' or 'una cartera'.

Confusing Wallet vs. Handbag

Mistake: “Using 'cartera' when you mean a large handbag.”

Correction: Use 'bolso' for a large handbag. 'Cartera' usually implies a smaller holder for money or documents.

Billetera vs. Cartera Usage

The most common confusion is between 'billetera' and 'cartera'. While 'billetera' often implies a focus on paper money, 'cartera' is widely used in North America for any wallet and can also mean handbag. If you are in North America and referring to your money holder, 'cartera' is generally safe, but 'billetera' is also understood.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.