Bolsa and Bolso

Question

Is there a difference between 'la bolsa' and 'el bolso'? Is bolsa a bag and bolso a purse?

Answer 1

This is a bit regional. In Mexico, I hear bolsa for purse as well as bag. I think bolso for purse may be used in Spain.

Yes Jerimias This is what I hear as well - pacofinkler, Jun 28, 2011

Answer 2

Hola! Good question.

Look at this thread. This should help you.

Bolsa [technically, bolsa de valores] is also "stock exchange"...random!

Both mean "purse" or "bag"...I think it just depends on where you are.

That´s right, Sun Smile, but don´t forget that "bolsa" is an abeviation of "bolsa de valores." - 005faa61, Jun 28, 2011

Thanks for pointing that out, Julian! :) - SonrisaDelSol, Jun 28, 2011

Answer 3

In Spanish, there are a few words that describe inanimate objects where the difference in gender signals a difference in either size or form of an object. Often, there exist regional variations among these types of words, but here are a few that I have seen:

Masculine	Meaning	Feminine	Meaning
El Bolso	a Pocket, change purse or bag, a small purse or handbag	La Bolsa	Sack or bag, coin purse, a purse or carry-on bag
El Cesto	A large, tall basket such as a laundry or wastepaper basket	La bolsa	A smaller basket of wicker or other material used for laundry, wastepaper or groceries
El huerto	A small enclosed garden or fruit orchard	La huerta	A larger area for growing crops or fruit trees
El Cuchillo	A knife	La cuchilla	A large, kitchen knife; A broad bladed knife with a serrated edge
El jarro	a jug or pitcher with one handle	La jarra	A wide mouthed jug, beer mug, pitcher or carafe with one or two handles

In addition to these, I have also seen río/ría, saco/saca and cántaro/cántara, but I am not as familiar with the distinctions between these.

Wow! What an explanation! - SonrisaDelSol, Jun 28, 2011

Answer 4

As I understand it, there are regional differences but in Spain:

El bolso is a small bag or purse. La bolsa is a carrier bag - ie the small plastic types you get in supermarkets.