cartera = wallet?

Lesson 4.8 has “La cartera es suya.” as “The wallet is his.” But when I asked my Spanish speaking friends they said a man would never carry a cartera, which they said is a purse. Any help?

I'm not saying your friends are wrong, but the Spanish speaking world is huge and there are differences in words in different regions. 

Spanishdict.com  defines cartera first as wallet or billfold and then  as purse, handbag, portfolio, briefcase, school bag and satchel. Also mailwoman just so you know.

I don't know what is used where but my guess is that somewhere cartera is wallet. Rocket Spanish uses billetera more often for wallet and bolso and cartera more often for purse.

I suspected that might be the difference. Mailwoman? Ha ha, wow. I do agree about what Rocket Spanish typcially uses, that is why it threw me for a loop. Thanks!

¡Hola Scott_C y Daryl-O1!

Indeed, the meaning of cartera can really vary depending on where you are! 

You can find an explanation on cartera and other words for “wallet” and “purse” in the Level 1 Survival Kit lesson “Clothing” (under the heading “Bags and Wallets”), which may help to clear things up. 

I hope that this is helpful!

Saludos,

Liss

Thanks, I never looked in the survival kit - nice resource!