Spanish Phrase
Sujeta bien tu bolso.
Meaning
‘Sujeta bien tu bolso.’ is a direct, friendly command telling someone to hold their bag tightly. It carries a tone of care or warning, especially in crowded or moving environments.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to remind a friend, a child, or a fellow traveler to keep a firm grip on their bag – for example on a bus, in a market, or while walking through a busy street.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sujetabientubolso
Sujetar (imperative)
‘Sujetar’ means ‘to hold’ or ‘to keep something tight’. In the affirmative tú command, drop the -ar ending and add -a: sujeta.
Bien (adverb)
‘Bien’ modifies the verb, meaning ‘well’, ‘tightly’, or ‘properly’. It usually follows the verb in Spanish.
Tu (possessive adjective)
‘Tu’ (without accent) indicates ownership: ‘your’. It agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
Bolso (noun)
‘Bolso’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘bag, purse, or handbag’. The article is omitted because the possessive already marks it.
🗨In Conversation
Sujeta bien tu bolso.
Hold your bag tightly.
¡Gracias! No quiero que se caiga.
Thanks! I don’t want it to fall.
✕Common Mistakes
Sujete bien tu bolso.
‘Sujete’ is the reflexive form meaning ‘hold yourself’, not the correct command for ‘hold your bag’.
Sujeta bien tu bolsa.
‘Bolsa’ means ‘bag’ but usually refers to a sack or grocery bag; ‘bolso’ is the natural word for a handbag or purse.
Sujeta tu bolso bien.
While understandable, the adverb ‘bien’ normally follows the verb directly; placing it after the noun sounds awkward.
↔Alternatives
Asegúrate de sujetar bien tu bolso.
Make sure you hold your bag tightly.
No sueltes tu bolso.
Don’t let go of your bag.
Mantén tu bolso firme.
Keep your bag firm.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cities pickpocketing is a real concern, especially in tourist hotspots and public transport. Native speakers often use short imperatives like ‘Sujeta bien tu bolso’ as a quick safety reminder. The informal ‘tú’ form is appropriate with friends, family, or peers; use the formal ‘sujete bien su bolso’ with strangers or elders.