Bolsa vs. mala
While both mala and bolsa refer to bags used to carry items, the correct choice depends heavily on the regional dialect (Brazilian vs. European Portuguese) and the context of usage, such as travel versus daily fashion.
Bolsa
A1In Brazilian Portuguese, this is the standard word for a woman's handbag, purse, or tote bag used for daily personal items. It can also refer to a scholarship or the stock market. In Portugal, while understood, it is less commonly used for a fashion handbag and might refer to a small pouch or a plastic bag.
Ela comprou uma bolsa de couro preta.
(She bought a black leather handbag.)
Minha chaves estão dentro da bolsa.
(My keys are inside the purse.)
Essa bolsa é perfeita para levar ao trabalho.
(This bag is perfect to take to work.)
Cuidado para não esquecer a bolsa no metrô.
(Be careful not to forget your handbag on the subway.)
Ela ganhou uma bolsa de estudos.
(She won a scholarship.)
Mala
A1Universally, this word refers to a suitcase or heavy luggage used for traveling. However, in European Portuguese, mala is also the primary word for a woman's everyday handbag. It can also refer to the trunk of a car.
Eu preciso arrumar a minha mala para a viagem.
(I need to pack my suitcase for the trip.)
Que mala bonita você está usando hoje.
(That is a beautiful handbag you are wearing today.)
A mala está muito pesada para carregar.
(The suitcase is too heavy to carry.)
Por favor, coloque as compras na mala do carro.
(Please put the groceries in the car trunk.)
Ela deixou a mala de mão na cadeira.
(She left the handbag on the chair.)
Summary
Use bolsa if you are speaking Brazilian Portuguese and referring to a daily handbag or purse. Use mala if you are speaking European Portuguese to refer to that same handbag. In both regions, use mala when referring to travel luggage or suitcases.