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maleta

mah-LEH-tahmaˈleta

“maleta” means “suitcase” in Spanish (A piece of travel luggage).

suitcase

Also: bag, trunk
NounfA1
Spain (Informal)Mexico / Central America
A single, bright red, rectangular travel suitcase with a handle, depicted in a simple style.

📝 In Action

Mi maleta está demasiado pesada para el avión.

A1

My suitcase is too heavy for the plane.

Abre la maleta, por favor. Quiero ver lo que empacaste.

A2

Open the bag, please. I want to see what you packed.

Siempre viajo con una maleta de mano para evitar la fila de equipaje.

B1

I always travel with a carry-on bag to avoid the luggage line.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • equipaje (luggage (collective))
  • valija (suitcase (common in Southern Cone))

Common Collocations

  • hacer la maleta – to pack one's bags
  • recoger la maleta – to pick up the suitcase
  • maleta de mano – carry-on bag

Idioms & Expressions

  • cargar con la maleta – To carry the burden or responsibility (figurative)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "maleta" in Spanish:

bag→suitcase→trunk→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: maleta

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly means 'I need to pack my bags'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
maletero(car trunk / luggage handler) — Noun
maletín(briefcase / small case) — Noun
maleta (adj)(annoying / clumsy (regional slang)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'maleta' comes from the Old French word *mallette*, which was a diminutive (a smaller version) of *malle*, meaning 'trunk' or 'chest.' This shows its long history as a container for carrying things.

First recorded: 15th century (approximate Spanish usage)

Cognates (Related words)

French: mallettePortuguese: mala

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'maleta' the same as 'equipaje'?

'Maleta' refers to a single piece of luggage (a suitcase or bag). 'Equipaje' is a collective noun, meaning 'luggage' or 'baggage' in general (all the bags together).

Why is it feminine ('la maleta')?

Like most Spanish nouns ending in -a, 'maleta' is feminine. You must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la maleta grande').