Inklingo

How to Say "wallet" in Spanish

English → Spanish

billetera

/bee-yeh-TEH-rah//bi.ʎeˈte.ɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'billetera' for a typical folding wallet that holds bills and cards, common in many Spanish-speaking regions.
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 small folding wallet, especially one primarily for paper money and cards, often used in Spain and some parts of Latin America.
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.

bolsillos

bol-SEE-yos/bolˈsiʎos/

nounB1figurative
Use 'bolsillos' metaphorically to refer to one's financial capacity or available funds, not for a physical wallet.
A simple brown cloth pocket visually bulging and overflowing with gold coins and green paper currency, symbolizing wealth.

Examples

Ese coche de lujo está fuera del alcance de mis bolsillos.

That luxury car is out of reach of my funds (pockets).

La crisis afectó los bolsillos de la mayoría de las familias.

The crisis affected the finances of most families.

Metaphor for Money

This meaning is a common metaphor: the pocket represents where you keep your money. Phrases often describe whether something is 'within reach' ('al alcance') or 'out of reach' ('fuera del alcance').

Direct Translation of 'Broke'

Mistake: “Estoy bolsillos vacíos.”

Correction: Estoy sin blanca or Tengo los bolsillos vacíos (I have empty pockets). Use the complete phrase.

Billetera vs. Cartera

The most common confusion is between 'billetera' and 'cartera', as both translate to a personal wallet. While interchangeable in many contexts, 'billetera' is generally more widespread in Latin America, and 'cartera' is more common in Spain. When in doubt, 'billetera' is often a safe bet.

Related Translations

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