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"Cartera" is a form of "cartera", a noun which is often translated as "wallet". "Mochila" is a noun which is often translated as "backpack". Learn more about the difference between "mochila" and "cartera" below.
la mochila(
moh
-
chee
-
lah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (knapsack)
a. backpack (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El libro está en mi mochila.The book is in my backpack.
b. rucksack (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Llenó la mochila de agua, papas y libros.She filled her rucksack with water, crisps, and books.
c. schoolbag
¡Cuánto pesa la mochila! ¿Tienes mucha tarea hoy?Your schoolbag is so heavy! Do you have a lot of homework today?
d. pack (for trekking or expeditions)
Los soldados llevaban sus mochilas encima de sus cabezas para que la lluvia no los mojara.The soldiers carried their packs over their heads so they didn't get wet in the rain.
la cartera(
kahr
-
teh
-
rah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (for money)
a. wallet
Me regalaron una cartera de cuero para mi cumpleaños.I got a leather wallet for my birthday.
b. billfold (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Sacó la tarjeta de crédito de su cartera.He took his credit card out of his billfold.
2. (bag) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. purse (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Guardó las gafas en su cartera.She put her glasses away in her purse.
b. handbag (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Me compré una cartera nueva para la fiesta.I bought a new handbag for the party.
a. briefcase (with a handle)
El abogado sacó el contrato de la cartera.The lawyer took the contract out of his briefcase.
b. portfolio (without a handle)
El maestro de música siempre trae una cartera bajo el brazo.The music teacher always carries a portfolio under his arm.
5. (commerce)
6. (finance)
a. portfolio
El valor de la cartera de valores subió en el último año.The value of the stock portfolio has increased in the last year.
7. (government)
