The word "purse" meaning the typical handbag that women carry around--how is that translated into Spanish--"bolsa", "bolsa", or "cartera". I want the most common translation.

Question

I also need the translation for "bag"--meaning a paper bag--like the kind you would put a sack lunch in. I want a generic term like "bag". I was using "bolsa" for "bag" and "bolso" for "purse", but now I'm thinking I might be wrong.

So basically I need two terms "purse"--a woman's handbag and "bag"--a paper sack type

Thank you.

Answer 1

Bag -- as paper bag -- bolsa de papel

Purse as women handbag -- cartera o bolso

This is a cartera

This is a bolso

• Wonderful visual aids!!! Thanks! - Rose64 Mar 19, 2010
• Gracias Benz! - 003487d6 Mar 20, 2010
• la cartera de radio está muy de moda haha quiero uno.. - 003487d6 Mar 20, 2010
• super original jajaja - Benz Mar 20, 2010

Answer 2

Some countries like Mexico are firm to say that "purse" is "el bolso".

Mexicans are the Spanish majority here in the USA, so the word is widely recognized as it. Mexicans call "la cartera" to "the wallet".

In many other countries of Latinamerica "purse" is called "la cartera" and "bag" is called "la bolsa" (plastic or paper) and "el bolso" is other type of handbag like that one shown by benz (canvas).

I hope this clarify a little bit more your question.

• Yes, thanks for clarifying. - Rose64 Mar 19, 2010
• Hi Doriz. Just a very, very small point, "I hope this clarifies your question a little bit more". Sounds better. - Eddy Mar 20, 2010

Answer 3

el bolso

Answer 4

a picture of the bolsa

• I suppose the cat has gone. - Eddy Mar 20, 2010