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maletas

mah-LEH-tasmaˈletas

“maletas” means “suitcases” in Spanish (containers used for carrying belongings when traveling).

suitcases

Also: bags, baggage
NounfA1
Argentina, Uruguay, Chile
Three brightly colored, simple rectangular suitcases stacked slightly, ready for a journey.

📝 In Action

Por favor, pongan las maletas en el portaequipajes del autobús.

A1

Please put the suitcases in the luggage compartment of the bus.

Necesito comprar dos maletas nuevas para el viaje largo.

A2

I need to buy two new bags for the long trip.

¡Date prisa! Ya tenemos que hacer las maletas.

B1

Hurry up! We already have to pack our bags.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer las maletas – to pack (one's bags)
  • recoger las maletas – to pick up the luggage
  • etiqueta de maletas – luggage tag

Idioms & Expressions

  • Estar con las maletas hechas – To be mentally or physically ready to leave immediately; to have one foot out the door.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "maletas" in Spanish:

baggage→bags→suitcases→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: maletas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the phrase 'hacer las maletas'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
maleta(suitcase (singular)) — Noun
maletín(briefcase / small bag) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
galletaspoetas
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Old French 'malette,' which was a diminutive (a smaller version) of 'male,' meaning 'bag' or 'trunk.' This word traveled from French into Spanish.

First recorded: 15th century (as 'maleta')

Cognates (Related words)

French: malletteItalian: valigia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'maletas' only used for large, hard luggage?

No, 'maletas' generally refers to any type of travel bag, including soft ones. If you want to be specific about a backpack, you would use 'mochila'.

How do I ask where to pick up my bags at the airport?

You can ask: '¿Dónde recojo mis maletas?' (Where do I pick up my bags?) or '¿Dónde está la cinta de equipaje?' (Where is the baggage carousel?)