bolsillo in 30 Seconds
- Bolsillo means pocket, a small pouch in clothing.
- It's a common, masculine noun used for pants, jackets, and shirts.
- Use 'el bolsillo' for the pocket, 'los bolsillos' for multiple pockets.
- Essential for everyday descriptions of clothing and carrying items.
The Spanish word bolsillo translates directly to 'pocket' in English. It refers to that convenient little pouch sewn into clothing, designed to hold your belongings. Think about where you keep your keys, your phone, or some loose change – chances are, you're using a bolsillo!
- Common Uses
- Pants/Trousers: Most pants have pockets on the sides and sometimes on the back. In Spanish, these are often called 'bolsillos delanteros' (front pockets) and 'bolsillos traseros' (back pockets).
- Shirts: Some shirts, especially button-down ones, have a single pocket on the chest, known as a 'bolsillo en el pecho'.
- Jackets and Coats: These often have multiple pockets, both inside and outside, for greater storage. You might hear about 'bolsillos interiores' (inside pockets) and 'bolsillos exteriores' (outside pockets).
- Bags: While not clothing, the term 'bolsillo' can sometimes extend to small internal compartments within bags or purses.
¿Dónde está mi bolsillo? No encuentro mis llaves.
The word bolsillo is a fundamental part of everyday vocabulary in Spanish, used by everyone from young children to adults. It's a practical word that describes a very common feature of the clothes we wear daily.
Consider the simple act of putting your hands in your pockets. In Spanish, you would say 'meter las manos en el bolsillo'. Or if you need to check if you have something, you might pat your bolsillo: 'revisar el bolsillo'. This word is so ingrained in daily life that you'll hear it constantly in conversations about clothing, shopping, or just general activities.
For example, when shopping for new jeans, you might ask about the number or size of the pockets: 'Estos pantalones tienen muchos bolsillos?' (Do these pants have many pockets?). Or when describing an outfit, you could mention a specific pocket: 'Me gusta este abrigo porque tiene un bolsillo grande en el pecho.'
The concept of a bolsillo is universal, and the Spanish word for it is just as straightforward and commonly used. It's one of those words that you'll pick up very quickly because you encounter its meaning so frequently in your surroundings.
Think about the different types of clothing that have pockets: jeans, shorts, skirts, jackets, coats, vests, even some dresses! All of these have bolsillos. The word is versatile and applies to all of them. It's a building block for describing clothing and personal items.
Even in situations where you might be looking for something small, like a lost earring, you might ask, 'Did it fall into my bolsillo?' which would be in Spanish, '¿Se cayó en mi bolsillo?'. This highlights its function as a container.
The simplicity and ubiquity of the bolsillo make the word itself easy to learn and remember. It's a tangible concept that is part of our everyday physical experience.
Using bolsillo in a sentence is quite intuitive, as it directly relates to clothing and carrying items. Here are several ways to incorporate it into your Spanish conversations:
- Basic Possession
- Tengo mi teléfono en el bolsillo. (I have my phone in my pocket.)
- Ella guarda las llaves en su bolsillo. (She keeps the keys in her pocket.)
- Describing Clothing
- Estos pantalones tienen dos bolsillos delanteros y uno trasero. (These pants have two front pockets and one back pocket.)
- La chaqueta tiene un bolsillo interior para el pasaporte. (The jacket has an inside pocket for the passport.)
- Actions Related to Pockets
- Busca el dinero en el bolsillo. (Look for the money in the pocket.)
- Metí la mano en el bolsillo para sacar una moneda. (I put my hand in my pocket to take out a coin.)
- Figurative Use (less common at A1, but good to know)
- Sometimes, 'bolsillo' can refer to one's financial resources, as in 'tener dinero en el bolsillo' (to have money in one's pocket, meaning to have funds available).
¿Tienes un bolsillo en esa camisa?
When forming sentences, you'll often use prepositions like 'en' (in) or 'dentro de' (inside of) with bolsillo. For instance, 'Mi billetera está en el bolsillo de mi pantalón' (My wallet is in the pocket of my pants).
You can also use verbs of action related to pockets. For example, 'Sacar algo del bolsillo' (to take something out of the pocket) or 'Meter algo en el bolsillo' (to put something into the pocket).
Consider describing the features of clothing you're wearing or looking at. 'Esta falda no tiene bolsillos.' (This skirt doesn't have pockets.) or '¡Qué práctico este abrigo con tantos bolsillos!' (How practical this coat is with so many pockets!).
The word can also be used to ask about the presence of pockets: '¿Los pantalones de niño vienen con bolsillos?' (Do the boys' pants come with pockets?).
For A1 learners, focus on simple declarative sentences and questions about the existence or location of pockets. As you progress, you'll naturally use it in more complex sentence structures.
You'll hear the word bolsillo in a wide variety of everyday situations in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a word that's part of the fabric of daily life, so its presence is ubiquitous.
- In Clothing Stores
- When you're shopping for clothes, especially pants, jackets, or shirts, you'll hear salespeople and customers discussing pockets. For example: '¿Tiene bolsillos por dentro?' (Does it have pockets on the inside?) or 'Este modelo tiene un bolsillo muy útil en la manga.' (This model has a very useful pocket on the sleeve.)
- At Home
- Parents might tell their children: 'No pongas comida en el bolsillo.' (Don't put food in your pocket.) or 'Revisa tu bolsillo, a ver si tienes la moneda.' (Check your pocket to see if you have the coin.)
- On the Street or in Public
- You might overhear conversations like: '¡Qué frío! Metí las manos en el bolsillo.' (It's so cold! I put my hands in my pocket.) or 'Se me cayó algo del bolsillo.' (Something fell out of my pocket.)
- In Movies and TV Shows
- Characters in Spanish-language media will frequently refer to pockets when talking about their clothing, hiding things, or searching for items. A detective might say, 'Encontré esto en el bolsillo del sospechoso.' (I found this in the suspect's pocket.)
¿Tienes un bolsillo para el móvil?
Even in more formal settings, like describing a piece of clothing, the word bolsillo is used. For instance, a tailor might explain: 'Este saco tiene tres bolsillos exteriores y dos interiores.' (This jacket has three exterior pockets and two interior ones.)
In informal conversations among friends, it might come up when sharing snacks: 'Me dio un caramelo del bolsillo.' (He/She gave me a candy from his/her pocket.)
The word is so common that it's often used without much thought, just as 'pocket' is in English. You'll also hear it when people are looking for something they've misplaced: 'No sé dónde puse mi entrada, creo que se me salió del bolsillo.' (I don't know where I put my ticket, I think it fell out of my pocket.)
It's a word that is fundamental to describing practical aspects of clothing and personal items, making it a frequent visitor in spoken Spanish.
While 'bolsillo' is a straightforward word, learners might make a few common mistakes, mostly related to gender or using it in contexts where another word might be more appropriate (though this is rarer for 'bolsillo' itself).
- Gender Agreement
- Mistake: Using feminine articles or adjectives with 'bolsillo'. For example, saying 'la bolsillo' or 'una bolsillo con cremallera'.
- Correct: 'Bolsillo' is a masculine noun. Always use masculine articles and adjectives: 'el bolsillo', 'un bolsillo', 'un bolsillo grande', 'el bolsillo izquierdo'.
- Overgeneralization
- Mistake: Trying to apply 'bolsillo' to any small pouch or compartment, even if it's not on clothing. For example, referring to a small zippered compartment on a backpack as a 'bolsillo' when 'compartimento' might be more precise, although 'bolsillo' is often understood.
- Correct: While 'bolsillo' is often understood for similar compartments, its primary and most common meaning is a pocket sewn into clothing. For compartments in bags or other items, 'compartimento' or 'bolsa' might be more specific, but 'bolsillo' is frequently used colloquially.
- Pluralization
- Mistake: Incorrectly forming the plural. This is less common, but learners might struggle with regular pluralization.
- Correct: The plural of 'bolsillo' is 'bolsillos'. This is a regular noun ending in '-o', so you simply add '-s'. For example, 'Los pantalones tienen dos bolsillos.' (The pants have two pockets.)
Incorrecto: Tengo una bolsillo.
Another potential area for confusion, though less of a 'mistake' and more of a nuance, is understanding when 'bolsillo' might imply financial means. For example, 'No tengo dinero en el bolsillo' literally means 'I don't have money in my pocket,' but it can also imply 'I don't have any money right now.' However, for A1 learners, sticking to the literal meaning of a clothing pocket is perfectly fine and the most common usage.
The key is to practice using the word in context. When you see pockets on clothing, try to describe them using 'bolsillo' with the correct gender. This consistent reinforcement will help prevent these common errors.
While 'bolsillo' is the most common and direct translation for 'pocket' in the context of clothing, there are a few related terms and situations where alternatives might be considered, though 'bolsillo' remains the go-to word for most learners.
- Direct Translation & Primary Use
- Bolsillo: This is the standard and most widely understood word for a pocket sewn into clothing (pants, shirts, jackets, etc.). It's masculine: 'el bolsillo', 'un bolsillo'.
- Related Terms (Context Dependent)
- Bolsa: This means 'bag' or 'pouch'. While a pocket is a type of pouch, 'bolsa' usually refers to a larger, separate item for carrying things, like a shopping bag ('bolsa de la compra') or a small pouch ('bolsa pequeña'). However, sometimes a very large, open pocket might be colloquially referred to as a 'bolsa'.
- Compartimento: This means 'compartment'. This word is often used for sections within bags, luggage, or even car interiors. For example, a backpack might have various 'compartimentos'. While a pocket is a compartment, 'bolsillo' is more specific to clothing.
- Cartera: This primarily means 'wallet' or 'purse'. Sometimes, people might refer to the pocket where they keep their wallet as 'el bolsillo de la cartera', but 'cartera' itself is not a pocket.
- Specific Types of Pockets (often use 'bolsillo' + descriptor)
- Bolsillo interior: Inside pocket.
- Bolsillo exterior: Outside pocket.
- Bolsillo de pecho: Chest pocket.
- Bolsillo trasero: Back pocket.
Comparison: El bolsillo es como una pequeña bolsa en la ropa.
In summary, when you are talking about the pockets on your jeans, jacket, or shirt, 'bolsillo' is almost always the correct word. 'Bolsa' refers to a separate bag, and 'compartimento' is more for divisions within larger items like backpacks or suitcases.
The pronunciation of bolsillo is quite straightforward for English speakers, with a few key sounds to focus on.
- Syllable Breakdown
- Bol-si-llo (3 syllables)
- Key Sounds
- 'B': Similar to the English 'b', but often softer, especially between vowels (though not applicable here).
- 'o': A pure 'o' sound, like the 'o' in 'go' but shorter and without the diphthong.
- 's': A clear 's' sound, like in 'see'.
- 'i': A short 'ee' sound, like in 'machine' but shorter.
- 'll': This is the most distinctive sound. In most of Spain and Latin America, it's pronounced like the 'y' in 'yes' or 'yellow'. Some regions (like Argentina and Uruguay) pronounce it like 'sh' or 'zh'. For A1 learners, the 'y' sound is the most common and easiest to adopt.
- Stress
- The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable: bol-SI-llo. This is typical for Spanish words ending in a vowel.
Pronunciation Guide: bol-SEE-yo
Common Errors:
- Pronouncing the 'll' as in 'million' or 'flame'.
- Putting the stress on the wrong syllable.
- Adding an English 'r' sound to the 'o' or 'i'.
Rhymes: Words that rhyme with 'bolsillo' would typically share the '-illo' ending. Examples include 'brillo' (shine), 'caballo' (horse - though the 'll' is different), 'amarillo' (yellow - again, different 'll' but similar ending sound), and other diminutives ending in '-illo'.
The word bolsillo has an interesting origin that traces back to the concept of a 'bag' or 'pouch'.
- Origin
- The word 'bolsillo' comes from the diminutive form of the word bolsa. 'Bolsa' itself has its roots in the Latin word 'bulga', which referred to a leather bag or wineskin.
- Evolution
- Over time, 'bolsa' came to mean 'bag' in general. The suffix '-illo' in Spanish is a diminutive, meaning 'small' or 'little'. Therefore, 'bolsillo' literally means 'little bag'. This aptly describes the function and appearance of a pocket sewn into clothing.
- Language Family
- Spanish belongs to the Romance language family, which are descendants of Vulgar Latin. This is why many Spanish words, including 'bolsillo', have Latin origins.
- Fun Fact
- The diminutive suffix '-illo' is very common in Spanish and is used to create many words, often conveying a sense of smallness, affection, or even sometimes irony. You'll see it in words like 'chiquillo' (little boy), 'pastilla' (pill), and 'puntilla' (lace).
From 'bulga' (Latin for bag) to 'bolsa' (Spanish for bag) to 'bolsillo' (Spanish for little bag/pocket).
The historical connection to leather bags and wineskins highlights how the concept of carrying things in a contained pouch has been around for centuries. The evolution into the modern 'bolsillo' in clothing is a natural progression of this ancient need.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The diminutive suffix '-illo' is widely used in Spanish to denote smallness, affection, or sometimes even to create new words. For example, 'pan' (bread) becomes 'panecillo' (small bread roll), and 'pueblo' (town) can become 'pueblecillo' (small town). This suffix is key to understanding many Spanish words.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'll' as in 'million' (English).
- Adding an extra 'r' sound to the 'o' or 'i'.
- Incorrect syllable stress.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'bolsillo' is very common in everyday texts like clothing descriptions, simple stories, and basic instructions, making it easy to understand for early learners.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gender and Number Agreement
El bolsillo es grande. (masculine singular). Los bolsillos son grandes. (masculine plural). La chaqueta tiene un bolsillo interior. (feminine singular noun with masculine singular pocket).
Prepositional Phrases with 'en' and 'de'
Tengo las llaves en el bolsillo. (I have the keys in the pocket). El bolsillo de mi pantalón. (The pocket of my pants).
Using 'tener' to indicate possession
Mi camisa tiene un bolsillo. (My shirt has a pocket). ¿Tus pantalones tienen bolsillos?
Using 'haber' (hay) for existence
Hay un bolsillo en esa chaqueta. (There is a pocket in that jacket). No hay bolsillos en esta falda.
Imperative verbs for actions related to pockets
Mete la moneda en el bolsillo. Saca el teléfono del bolsillo.
Examples by Level
Tengo un bolsillo.
I have a pocket.
'un' is the masculine indefinite article used with the masculine noun 'bolsillo'.
El pantalón tiene un bolsillo.
The pants have a pocket.
'El' is the masculine definite article. 'Tiene' is the third-person singular present tense of 'tener' (to have).
Mi camisa tiene un bolsillo.
My shirt has a pocket.
'Mi' is the possessive adjective for 'my' (singular, masculine or feminine noun).
¿Tienes un bolsillo?
Do you have a pocket?
This is a simple question form. Word order is common for questions in Spanish.
Guardo la moneda en el bolsillo.
I keep the coin in the pocket.
'Guardo' is the first-person singular present tense of 'guardar' (to keep/put away).
El bolsillo es pequeño.
The pocket is small.
'Pequeño' is a masculine adjective agreeing in gender and number with 'bolsillo'.
Necesito un bolsillo.
I need a pocket.
'Necesito' is the first-person singular present tense of 'necesitar' (to need).
Aquí está el bolsillo.
Here is the pocket.
'Aquí está' means 'Here is'.
Mi chaqueta tiene dos bolsillos.
My jacket has two pockets.
'dos' is the number two. 'bolsillos' is the plural form of 'bolsillo'.
¿Dónde están los bolsillos?
Where are the pockets?
'Dónde están' is used for plural nouns. 'los' is the masculine plural definite article.
No tengo dinero en el bolsillo.
I don't have money in my pocket.
'No tengo' means 'I don't have'. 'dinero' means money.
Me gusta esta camisa con bolsillo.
I like this shirt with a pocket.
'con' means 'with'. 'esta' is the feminine demonstrative adjective for 'this'.
Revisa tu bolsillo.
Check your pocket.
'Revisa' is the imperative form of 'revisar' (to check).
Los pantalones nuevos tienen bolsillos grandes.
The new pants have big pockets.
'nuevos' and 'grandes' are adjectives that agree with the plural noun 'bolsillos'.
Guardé el billete en el bolsillo interior.
I kept the bill in the inside pocket.
'Guardé' is the preterite tense of 'guardar'. 'interior' means inside.
¿Este abrigo tiene bolsillo secreto?
Does this coat have a secret pocket?
'secreto' is an adjective meaning secret.
Metí la mano en el bolsillo para buscar las llaves.
I put my hand in my pocket to look for the keys.
'para buscar' means 'in order to look for'.
La falda tiene un solo bolsillo en la parte trasera.
The skirt has only one pocket on the back.
'un solo' means 'only one'. 'trasera' agrees with 'parte' (feminine).
Es importante tener bolsillos funcionales en la ropa.
It is important to have functional pockets in clothing.
'funcionales' is an adjective meaning functional.
El diseñador decidió añadir un bolsillo extra en el lateral.
The designer decided to add an extra pocket on the side.
'añadir' means to add. 'extra' means extra. 'lateral' means side.
Perdí mi billetera, creo que se cayó del bolsillo.
I lost my wallet, I think it fell out of my pocket.
'Perdí' is the preterite of 'perder' (to lose). 'se cayó' means 'it fell'.
Este pantalón vaquero tiene bolsillos reforzados.
These denim pants have reinforced pockets.
'vaquero' means denim/cowboy. 'reforzados' means reinforced.
Me gusta la ropa con muchos bolsillos porque es práctica.
I like clothes with many pockets because they are practical.
'práctica' agrees with 'ropa' (feminine).
El niño metió una piedra en el bolsillo de su pantalón.
The child put a stone in the pocket of his pants.
'piedra' means stone. 'su' means his/her/its.
La ausencia de bolsillos en esta prenda la hace menos funcional para el uso diario.
The absence of pockets in this garment makes it less functional for daily use.
'ausencia' means absence. 'prenda' means garment. 'funcional' means functional.
Los bolsillos de carga son un elemento distintivo de la ropa de trabajo y militar.
Cargo pockets are a distinctive element of work and military clothing.
'carga' means cargo. 'distintivo' means distinctive. 'trabajo' means work.
Se rumorea que el diseñador ocultó una pista en el bolsillo secreto de su último vestido.
It is rumored that the designer hid a clue in the secret pocket of his latest dress.
'rumorea' means it is rumored. 'ocultó' means hid. 'pista' means clue.
Asegúrate de vaciar los bolsillos antes de lavar la ropa para evitar daños.
Make sure to empty your pockets before washing clothes to avoid damage.
'Asegúrate de' means make sure to. 'vaciar' means to empty. 'daños' means damage.
La moda actual a menudo prioriza la estética sobre la practicidad de los bolsillos.
Current fashion often prioritizes aesthetics over the practicality of pockets.
'actual' means current. 'prioriza' means prioritizes. 'estética' means aesthetics. 'practicidad' means practicality.
El bolsillo de la chaqueta interior estaba forrado con seda.
The pocket of the inner jacket was lined with silk.
'forrado' means lined. 'seda' means silk.
Para un look minimalista, se prefieren prendas con bolsillos discretos o inexistentes.
For a minimalist look, garments with discreet or non-existent pockets are preferred.
'minimalista' means minimalist. 'discretos' means discreet. 'inexistentes' means non-existent.
Me sorprendió encontrar dinero en el bolsillo de un abrigo viejo.
I was surprised to find money in the pocket of an old coat.
'sorprendió' means surprised. 'viejo' means old.
La proliferación de dispositivos electrónicos ha llevado a una reconfiguración del diseño de los bolsillos en la indumentaria moderna.
The proliferation of electronic devices has led to a reconfiguration of pocket design in modern clothing.
'proliferación' means proliferation. 'reconfiguración' means reconfiguration. 'indumentaria' means clothing.
Los bolsillos ocultos a menudo servían como un medio para transportar objetos de valor de forma discreta.
Hidden pockets often served as a means to transport valuables discreetly.
'ocultos' means hidden. 'servían' means served. 'objetos de valor' means valuables.
El concepto de 'tener dinero en el bolsillo' trasciende la mera posesión física, aludiendo a la disponibilidad financiera.
The concept of 'having money in one's pocket' transcends mere physical possession, alluding to financial availability.
'trasciende' means transcends. 'mera' means mere. 'aludiendo' means alluding.
La moda de los siglos XVIII y XIX presentaba elaborados chalecos con múltiples bolsillos diseñados para diversos propósitos.
The fashion of the 18th and 19th centuries featured elaborate waistcoats with multiple pockets designed for various purposes.
'siglos' means centuries. 'elaborados' means elaborate. 'chalecos' means waistcoats.
La funcionalidad de un bolsillo puede ser un factor determinante en la elección de una prenda, especialmente para actividades al aire libre.
The functionality of a pocket can be a determining factor in choosing a garment, especially for outdoor activities.
'funcionalidad' means functionality. 'determinante' means determining. 'al aire libre' means outdoor.
El diseño asimétrico de los bolsillos en esta chaqueta le confiere un aire vanguardista.
The asymmetrical design of the pockets on this jacket gives it a cutting-edge feel.
'asimétrico' means asymmetrical. 'confiere' means confers/gives. 'vanguardista' means cutting-edge/avant-garde.
La escasez de bolsillos en la ropa femenina a menudo ha sido objeto de debate feminista.
The scarcity of pockets in women's clothing has often been the subject of feminist debate.
'escasez' means scarcity. 'femenina' means feminine/women's. 'objeto de debate' means subject of debate.
Un buen bolsillo debe ser lo suficientemente profundo para asegurar el contenido sin ser incómodo.
A good pocket should be deep enough to secure its contents without being uncomfortable.
'suficientemente' means sufficiently. 'profundo' means deep. 'asegurar' means to secure. 'incómodo' means uncomfortable.
La pragmática del vestuario cotidiano a menudo se articula a través de la ubicuidad y disposición de los bolsillos.
The pragmatics of everyday wardrobe are often articulated through the ubiquity and arrangement of pockets.
'pragmática' means pragmatics. 'cotidiano' means everyday. 'articula' means articulates. 'ubicuidad' means ubiquity. 'disposición' means arrangement.
El bolsillo, en su concepción más elemental, representa una micro-arquitectura espacial dentro de la macro-estructura de la prenda.
The pocket, in its most elemental conception, represents a spatial micro-architecture within the macro-architecture of the garment.
'concepción' means conception. 'elemental' means elemental. 'micro-arquitectura' means micro-architecture. 'macro-estructura' means macro-structure.
La evolución histórica del bolsillo refleja cambios socio-culturales y tecnológicos, desde su función meramente utilitaria hasta su potencial como lienzo para la expresión individual.
The historical evolution of the pocket reflects socio-cultural and technological changes, from its merely utilitarian function to its potential as a canvas for individual expression.
'evolución' means evolution. 'refleja' means reflects. 'utilitaria' means utilitarian. 'lienzo' means canvas. 'expresión individual' means individual expression.
En la semiótica de la moda, el bolsillo puede ser interpretado como un signo de accesibilidad, seguridad o incluso de ocultación.
In the semiotics of fashion, the pocket can be interpreted as a sign of accessibility, security, or even concealment.
'semiótica' means semiotics. 'interpretado' means interpreted. 'accesibilidad' means accessibility. 'seguridad' means security. 'ocultación' means concealment.
La narrativa de un personaje a menudo se ve sutilmente enriquecida por la mención de lo que guarda en sus bolsillos.
A character's narrative is often subtly enriched by the mention of what they keep in their pockets.
'narrativa' means narrative. 'sutilmente' means subtly. 'enriquecida' means enriched. 'mención' means mention.
La ausencia de bolsillos en ciertas prendas puede ser una declaración de principios estéticos, priorizando la pureza de la forma sobre la funcionalidad.
The absence of pockets in certain garments can be a statement of aesthetic principles, prioritizing purity of form over functionality.
'declaración de principios' means statement of principles. 'pureza de la forma' means purity of form.
El bolsillo como repositorio de objetos personales es un microcosmos de la relación humana con la posesión y la memoria.
The pocket as a repository of personal objects is a microcosm of the human relationship with possession and memory.
'repositorio' means repository. 'microcosmos' means microcosm. 'posesión' means possession.
La ingeniería textil moderna ha desarrollado bolsillos con propiedades de seguridad avanzadas, como la protección RFID.
Modern textile engineering has developed pockets with advanced security features, such as RFID protection.
'ingeniería textil' means textile engineering. 'propiedades de seguridad avanzadas' means advanced security features. 'protección RFID' means RFID protection.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To put something into the pocket.
Metí el billete en el bolsillo para no perderlo.
— Do you have a pocket? (often asked when buying clothes or describing an item).
¿Este vestido tiene un bolsillo?
— There is nothing left in the pocket.
Después de comprar, no me quedó nada en el bolsillo.
— To fill the pocket (can be literal or figurative for making money).
Llené el bolsillo de caramelos para el viaje.
— To have an extra pocket.
Me gusta esta chaqueta porque tiene un bolsillo extra.
Often Confused With
'Bolsa' means 'bag' and is generally a separate item, whereas 'bolsillo' is a pouch sewn directly into clothing. While a pocket is a type of small bag, 'bolsillo' is specific to garments.
'Compartimento' means 'compartment' and is used for sections within larger items like backpacks, luggage, or car interiors. 'Bolsillo' is specifically for pockets on clothes.
'Cartera' means 'wallet' or 'purse'. It's an item often kept *in* a 'bolsillo', but it is not a pocket itself.
Idioms & Expressions
— To have money available; to be financially capable of something. It's a common way to express having funds.
Con este sueldo, tengo suficiente dinero en el bolsillo para salir este fin de semana.
— To enrich oneself, often illicitly or unfairly. To make a lot of money, typically unethically.
El político fue acusado de llenarse los bolsillos a costa del erario público.
— To be controlled or influenced by someone; to be in someone's pocket.
Los medios de comunicación no son independientes, están en el bolsillo de los grandes empresarios.
— To become passive, inactive, or indifferent; to do nothing when action is needed.
Ante la crisis, el gobierno se puso las manos en los bolsillos en lugar de tomar medidas.
— To be completely broke; to have no money at all.
Después de pagar todas las facturas, no me queda un céntimo en el bolsillo.
— To steal something; to pocket something dishonestly.
El ladrón se llevó el reloj al bolsillo sin que nadie se diera cuenta.
— Something that consumes an endless amount of resources or money; a bottomless pit.
Mantener esa colección de coches antiguos es como tener un bolsillo sin fondo.
— This idiom is not standard. It might be a very regional or made-up phrase. The standard is 'dinero en el bolsillo' for having money.
No existe un modismo común 'bolillos de oro'.
— To take advantage of someone; to exploit them. Similar to 'estar en el bolsillo de alguien' but more active.
No dejes que el vendedor te meta el producto en el bolsillo; compara precios.
— To be insignificant or negligible; having no real impact or substance.
Sus argumentos eran un bolsillo de aire, sin fundamento ni lógica.
Easily Confused
Both refer to containers for carrying things.
'Bolsa' typically refers to a larger, separate bag (like a shopping bag or handbag). 'Bolsillo' is specifically a small pouch sewn into clothing. While a pocket is a type of small bag, the term 'bolsillo' is reserved for clothing applications.
Llevo mis compras en una bolsa. Mi teléfono va en el bolsillo de mi chaqueta.
Both are types of enclosed spaces for storage.
'Compartimento' is a more general term for a section or division within a larger item, such as a backpack, suitcase, or car. 'Bolsillo' is exclusively used for pockets sewn into garments.
La mochila tiene muchos compartimentos. Los pantalones tienen bolsillos.
Both can refer to something carried or a bulge.
'Bulto' can mean a lump, a bulge, or a package/bundle. While a full pocket might create a 'bulto' (bulge), 'bulto' itself is not the pocket. 'Bolsillo' is the specific name for the sewn-in pouch.
El bolsillo está lleno y hace un bulto. (The pocket is full and makes a bulge.)
In some contexts, 'saco' can refer to a jacket or coat, and thus its pockets.
'Saco' primarily means 'sack' or 'bag', but it can also refer to a jacket or coat (especially in Latin America). However, 'bolsillo' is the precise word for the pocket itself, regardless of the garment's name.
El saco de dormir tiene un bolsillo para guardar la linterna. (The sleeping bag has a pocket for the flashlight.)
Figuratively, a pocket can be seen as a 'home' for small items.
'Hogar' means 'home' or 'hearth', referring to a dwelling place. While a pocket can be a 'small home' for an object, it's a metaphorical comparison, not a direct synonym. 'Bolsillo' is the literal term for the clothing feature.
Mi bolsillo es el hogar de mis llaves. (My pocket is the home of my keys.)
Sentence Patterns
Tengo un bolsillo.
Tengo un bolsillo en mi camisa.
El/La [prenda] tiene un bolsillo.
El pantalón tiene un bolsillo.
Meter [algo] en el bolsillo.
Meter la moneda en el bolsillo.
Mi [prenda] tiene [número] bolsillos.
Mi chaqueta tiene dos bolsillos.
No tengo [algo] en el bolsillo.
No tengo dinero en el bolsillo.
Buscar [algo] en el bolsillo.
Busqué las llaves en el bolsillo.
El bolsillo [adjetivo].
El bolsillo interior es seguro.
La ausencia de bolsillos [adjetivo].
La ausencia de bolsillos en esta prenda la hace menos práctica.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using feminine articles with 'bolsillo'.
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El bolsillo / Un bolsillo.
'Bolsillo' is a masculine noun, so it requires masculine articles like 'el' (the) and 'un' (a/an). Saying 'la bolsillo' is grammatically incorrect.
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Pronouncing 'll' as in 'million'.
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Pronounce 'll' like the 'y' in 'yes' (bol-SEE-yo).
The Spanish 'll' sound is typically like the English 'y'. The 'll' in 'million' is a different sound combination.
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Confusing 'bolsillo' with 'bolsa'.
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'Bolsillo' for clothing pockets, 'bolsa' for bags.
While related, 'bolsillo' is specifically for pockets sewn into clothes. 'Bolsa' refers to a separate bag, like a shopping bag or handbag.
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Incorrect pluralization.
→
Bolsillos.
The plural form is made by adding '-s' to the singular noun. So, 'bolsillo' becomes 'bolsillos'.
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Using 'bolsillo' for any small pouch on any item.
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Use 'bolsillo' for clothing pockets. For other items like backpacks, 'compartimento' might be more precise.
While 'bolsillo' can sometimes be understood for other small pouches, its primary and most accurate meaning is for clothing pockets. Using 'compartimento' for backpack sections is clearer.
Tips
Remember the Gender
Always remember that 'bolsillo' is a masculine noun. This means you'll use masculine articles like 'el' and 'un', and masculine adjectives like 'grande' or 'pequeño'. For example, 'el bolsillo grande', not 'la bolsillo grande'.
The 'll' Sound
The 'll' in 'bolsillo' is pronounced like the English 'y' in 'yes' or 'yellow' in most Spanish-speaking regions. Practice saying 'bol-SEE-yo' to get the correct sound.
Plural Form
The plural of 'bolsillo' is 'bolsillos'. Use this when referring to more than one pocket. For example, 'Estos pantalones tienen dos bolsillos'.
Visual Association
Picture yourself putting your hand into a comfortable pocket. Associate the word 'bolsillo' with the feeling of warmth and security that a pocket can provide for your belongings.
Ubiquitous Feature
Pockets are a universal feature of clothing. You'll hear 'bolsillo' used very frequently in everyday conversations about clothes, shopping, and personal items in any Spanish-speaking country.
Describe Your Clothes
When you're wearing clothes, try to describe their pockets using 'bolsillo'. For example, 'Mi camisa tiene un bolsillo en el pecho.' This simple practice will reinforce the word.
Figurative Meanings
While the literal meaning is key, be aware of idioms like 'dinero en el bolsillo' (money available) or 'llenarse los bolsillos' (to enrich oneself unethically) as you advance in your learning.
Beyond Clothing
While 'bolsillo' is for clothing, 'bolsa' means 'bag' and 'compartimento' means 'compartment' (like in a backpack). Knowing these helps avoid confusion.
Start Simple
For A1 learners, focus on understanding and using 'bolsillo' in basic sentences about having, finding, or putting things into pockets. Master the singular and plural forms first.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bolsillo' as a 'belly' of your clothes where you store things. The 'bol' sound can remind you of 'belly', and it's a small space, like a little belly on your pants.
Visual Association
Imagine a pair of blue jeans with a very distinct, inviting front pocket. Picture yourself putting your hand into that 'bolsillo' and feeling the smooth fabric inside. Visualize the word 'bolsillo' written in large letters on the pocket itself.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe all the pockets on your current outfit using the word 'bolsillo'. If you're wearing a shirt, do you have a 'bolsillo en el pecho'? If you're wearing pants, do you have 'bolsillos delanteros' and 'bolsillos traseros'?
Word Origin
The word 'bolsillo' originates from the Spanish word 'bolsa', meaning 'bag'. 'Bolsa' itself comes from the Latin word 'bulga', which referred to a leather bag or wineskin. The suffix '-illo' is a diminutive suffix in Spanish, meaning 'small' or 'little'. Therefore, 'bolsillo' literally translates to 'small bag'.
Original meaning: Small bag.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Iberian Romance > SpanishCultural Context
The word 'bolsillo' itself is neutral and carries no negative connotations. However, idiomatic uses like 'llenarse los bolsillos' (to enrich oneself, often unethically) or 'estar en el bolsillo de alguien' (to be controlled by someone) can be sensitive topics related to corruption or manipulation.
In English-speaking cultures, 'pocket' is similarly a fundamental and everyday word. Its function and placement on clothing are largely universal, making the concept easy to transfer.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping for clothes
- ¿Tiene bolsillos?
- Me gustan los bolsillos.
- ¿Cuántos bolsillos tiene?
Describing personal belongings
- Mi teléfono está en el bolsillo.
- Tengo llaves en el bolsillo.
- No queda nada en el bolsillo.
Everyday activities
- Meter la mano en el bolsillo.
- Sacar algo del bolsillo.
- Buscar en el bolsillo.
Talking about weather/comfort
- Poner las manos en el bolsillo.
- El bolsillo está caliente.
Describing clothing features
- Bolsillo interior.
- Bolsillo exterior.
- Bolsillo secreto.
Conversation Starters
"¿Qué llevas en tu bolsillo ahora mismo?"
"¿Prefieres la ropa con muchos bolsillos o con pocos?"
"¿Alguna vez has perdido algo importante en un bolsillo?"
"¿Qué tipo de bolsillo te parece más útil?"
"¿Te gusta la moda con bolsillos grandes o pequeños?"
Journal Prompts
Describe tu prenda de ropa favorita y menciona todos sus bolsillos.
Escribe sobre un objeto que sueles llevar en tu bolsillo y por qué es importante para ti.
Imagina una prenda de ropa sin ningún bolsillo. ¿Cómo sería tu día a día?
Escribe una pequeña historia donde un objeto secreto está escondido en un bolsillo.
¿Qué harías si encontraras dinero en un bolsillo de ropa vieja?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsLa principal diferencia es que 'bolsillo' se refiere a una pequeña bolsa cosida directamente en una prenda de vestir, como pantalones o chaquetas. 'Bolsa' es un término más general que se refiere a un contenedor separado, como una bolsa de compras o un bolso de mano.
'Bolsillo' es un sustantivo masculino. Por lo tanto, se usa con artículos y adjetivos masculinos, como 'el bolsillo', 'un bolsillo', 'un bolsillo grande'.
El plural de 'bolsillo' es 'bolsillos'. Por ejemplo: 'Estos pantalones tienen dos bolsillos'.
Sí, de forma literal, puedes decir 'tengo dinero en el bolsillo'. También se usa de forma figurada para indicar disponibilidad financiera, como en la frase 'tengo dinero en el bolsillo para salir'.
Un 'bolsillo secreto' es un bolsillo oculto dentro de una prenda de vestir, diseñado para guardar objetos de valor de forma discreta y segura. A menudo se encuentra en el forro interior de chaquetas o abrigos.
No, no todos los pantalones tienen bolsillos. Algunos diseños modernos o de moda pueden no tenerlos, o tenerlos solo de forma decorativa. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los pantalones casuales y de trabajo sí los tienen.
Se pronuncia aproximadamente como 'bol-SEE-yo'. El acento recae en la segunda sílaba ('si'), y la 'll' suena como la 'y' en 'yes' en inglés.
En el contexto de la ropa, 'bolsillo' es la palabra más común y estándar. Otras palabras como 'bolsa' o 'compartimento' se refieren a contenedores de otro tipo, no a bolsillos cosidos en la ropa.
Esta es una expresión idiomática que significa enriquecerse, a menudo de manera deshonesta o aprovechándose de una situación. Se refiere a ganar mucho dinero de forma poco ética.
Sí, es muy común. La funcionalidad de los bolsillos es apreciada en la ropa en general, y en las culturas de habla hispana, la practicidad de la vestimenta es importante, por lo que los bolsillos son una característica frecuente.
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Summary
The Spanish word 'bolsillo' is the direct translation for 'pocket' in clothing. It's a masculine noun, essential for describing where we keep our belongings in pants, jackets, shirts, and more. Remember to use the masculine articles 'el' and 'un' and the plural 'bolsillos' when referring to multiple pockets.
- Bolsillo means pocket, a small pouch in clothing.
- It's a common, masculine noun used for pants, jackets, and shirts.
- Use 'el bolsillo' for the pocket, 'los bolsillos' for multiple pockets.
- Essential for everyday descriptions of clothing and carrying items.
Remember the Gender
Always remember that 'bolsillo' is a masculine noun. This means you'll use masculine articles like 'el' and 'un', and masculine adjectives like 'grande' or 'pequeño'. For example, 'el bolsillo grande', not 'la bolsillo grande'.
The 'll' Sound
The 'll' in 'bolsillo' is pronounced like the English 'y' in 'yes' or 'yellow' in most Spanish-speaking regions. Practice saying 'bol-SEE-yo' to get the correct sound.
Context is Key
While 'bolsillo' primarily means a pocket in clothing, be aware that in some informal contexts, it can refer to other small pouches or compartments. However, for A1 learners, sticking to the clothing definition is perfectly fine.
Plural Form
The plural of 'bolsillo' is 'bolsillos'. Use this when referring to more than one pocket. For example, 'Estos pantalones tienen dos bolsillos'.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More daily_life words
a menudo
A1Frequently; on many occasions.
abonar
A2To pay, to subscribe; to make a payment or subscribe to a service.
abreviar
B1To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
abrigo
A1Coat.
abril
A1April
acercarse
A2To move closer to someone or something.
acompañar
A2To go somewhere with (someone) as a companion or escort.
acostar
A2To put someone to bed.
acostarse
A1To go to bed, to lie down for sleep.
acostumbrarse
B1To get used to a situation or habit.
