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How to Say "purse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bolso

BOHL-soh/'bolso/

nounA1general
Use 'bolso' for a handbag or a larger shoulder bag used to carry personal items like a wallet, phone, and keys.
A brightly colored leather handbag with a strap and a simple clasp resting on a flat surface.

Examples

Llevo mi cartera y mi teléfono en el bolso.

I carry my wallet and my phone in my handbag.

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.

cartera

/kar-TEH-ra//kaɾˈteɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'cartera' for a wallet, especially one that holds bills and cards, or sometimes a small coin purse.
A brown leather wallet, folded shut, with the corners of several green bills visible sticking out of the top edge.

Examples

Guardo mi dinero en la cartera.

I keep my money in my wallet.

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

/bee-yeh-TEH-rah//bi.ʎeˈte.ɾa/

nounA1general
While 'billetera' can mean wallet, it's often used for a very small, flat holder, sometimes specifically for bills or a few cards, and is less common than 'cartera' for a general wallet.
A high quality storybook illustration showing a closed blue leather wallet resting on a wooden surface.

Examples

Necesito una billetera delgada para mi saco.

I need a thin billfold for my jacket.

¿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'.

Bolso vs. Cartera for 'Purse'

The most common confusion is between 'bolso' and 'cartera'. Remember that 'bolso' is typically a larger bag you carry (handbag), while 'cartera' is the item inside that holds your money and cards (wallet).

Related Translations

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