Inklingo

How to Say "pouch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bolsa

bol-sahˈbol.sa

nounA1General
Use 'bolsa' for a general, flexible container, often made of paper, plastic, or cloth, used for carrying items.
A simple, colorful plastic shopping bag, slightly crumpled, resting on a flat surface.

Examples

Necesito una bolsa para las compras.

I need a bag for the groceries.

¿Puedes traerme una bolsa de papel?

Can you bring me a paper bag?

Necesitamos tirar la basura en una bolsa grande.

We need to throw the trash in a large bag.

Feminine Noun

Remember that 'bolsa' is always feminine. Use 'la bolsa' and describe it with feminine adjectives (e.g., 'una bolsa roja' - a red bag).

bolsillo

bol-SEE-yobolˈsiʎo

nounA1General
Use 'bolsillo' specifically for a small pouch or pocket sewn directly onto clothing or an accessory.
A close-up view of a simple, empty, blue denim pocket sewn into a piece of clothing.

Examples

Guardé el dinero en el bolsillo interior de mi chaqueta.

I kept the money in the inner pocket of my jacket.

Siempre llevo mis llaves en el bolsillo derecho del pantalón.

I always carry my keys in the right pocket of my trousers.

Esta chaqueta tiene un bolsillo interior muy útil para la cartera.

This jacket has a very useful inside pocket for the wallet.

Masculine Noun

Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' before 'bolsillo' since it ends in -o.

valija

ba-LEE-hahbaˈlixa

nounB2Formal/Official
Use 'valija' to refer to an official pouch, typically for carrying documents, mail, or diplomatic items.
A heavy-duty leather mail pouch with a secure strap and buckle.

Examples

La valija diplomática contenía información sensible.

The diplomatic pouch contained sensitive information.

Los documentos llegaron ayer por valija diplomática.

The documents arrived yesterday via diplomatic pouch.

El mensajero lleva la valija postal al correo central.

The courier is taking the mailbag to the central post office.

Formal Set Phrases

When used in a professional context, it often appears in the fixed phrase 'valija diplomática', which refers to a container that cannot be searched by customs.

Bolsa vs. Bolsillo

The most common confusion is between 'bolsa' and 'bolsillo'. Remember that 'bolsa' is a standalone container, while 'bolsillo' is a pocket integrated into clothing or an item.

Related Translations

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