"la bolsa" - "el bolso" - ¿que es la diferencia?

Question

I have just been doing Lesson 1, 12 and was suddenly pulled up when, on seeing a handbag, I said, "La Bolsa". The response was however "El Bolso". I was taught the word "la bolsa" by a supermarket checkout operator and have often used it since. I have never come across "el bolso" but I find both are in my dictionary. Is there a difference please?

Answer 1

Bolsa is generic for bag. Bolso is specifically a handbag, or purse.

If you look up purse in the dictionary here, you will see that the translation is regional. They say bolsa = purse in Mexico.

Thanks. I thought that might be it but the dictionary also gives both as "bag, handbag" - juanito11, Feb 9, 2012

I know purse as "monedero" - juanito11, Feb 9, 2012

I thought "monedero" was a coin purse - money bag - kdrinning, Feb 9, 2012

Answer 2

Bolsa is also the stock exchange....... por ejemplo, la Bolsa de Madrid.

oh, I was wondering why a bank looking building has the word "Bolsa" on it when I visited Madrid :-). - JazSpanish, Feb 9, 2012