bolsa
Lemma Details
Translation: bag; purse; sack; pouch; stock exchange; stock market; grant; scholarship
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Late Latin 'bursa' meaning 'leather bag or purse', which came from Greek 'βύρσα' (byrsa) meaning 'hide, leather'. The financial meaning evolved in the 16th century when merchants would meet in places called 'bolsas' (bags) to trade. The English word 'purse' shares the same Latin root, and 'bourse' (stock exchange in French) is directly related.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Necesito una bolsa para llevar mis compras.
I need a bag to carry my purchases.
La bolsa de Madrid cerró con ganancias hoy.
The Madrid stock exchange closed with gains today.
Recibió una bolsa de estudios para la universidad.
She received a scholarship for university.
Guarda tus cosas en esta bolsa.
Keep your things in this bag.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'bulging' bag to remember 'bolsa'
- Associate with 'bulsa' (sounds like 'pulse') - imagine money pulsing through the stock exchange
- Remember the financial meaning by thinking of a bag of money being traded at the stock exchange
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'bolsa' is commonly used in everyday contexts for shopping bags and purses, but also has important financial connotations with 'La Bolsa' referring to the stock market. In educational contexts, 'bolsa de estudios' refers to scholarships or grants.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'bolsa' is a general term for any type of bag, 'bolso' specifically refers to a handbag or purse carried by women.
Notes: In some regions, the distinction between 'bolsa' and 'bolso' may be less strict, but generally 'bolso' implies a more structured, fashion accessory.
Mnemonic: 'Bolsa' is more basic (both start with 'b'), while 'bolso' is more specific to fashion (ends with 'o' like 'fashion-o').
Explanation: While 'bolsa' can refer to a scholarship or grant in some contexts ('bolsa de estudios'), 'beca' is the more specific and common term for scholarship.
Notes: 'Bolsa' in the scholarship sense is often used with qualifiers like 'de estudios' or 'de investigación'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'beca' as 'because of academics' to remember it's specifically for educational funding.