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Spanish Word of the Day Archive
Monday May 19, 2008
cartera, noun:
billfold; purse; schoolbag; briefcase
La cartera is a very versatile word, which can refer to different kinds and sizes of accessories for carrying things. You’ll need to think about the context it occurs in to decide which meaning applies.
Sacó los billetes de su cartera.
She took the bills out of her billfold, She took the notes out of her purse.
In Latin America, it’s the word you use for a purse, or (British) handbag.
It’s also the word for the bag you take your books to school or college in.
Finally, businesspeople, officials, and so forth, use carteras to carry documents around.
Los informes llenaban a rebosar la cartera de cuero.
The briefcase was full to overflowing with reports.
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