Inklingo
← Dictionary
A simple illustration of a bright red backpack with visible shoulder straps and a front pocket.

mochila

moh-CHEE-lah

nounfA1
backpack?bag carried on the back,rucksack?hiking or military use
Also:knapsack?older term for a small backpack

📝 In Action

Llevo mi computadora portátil en la mochila.

A1

I carry my laptop in the backpack.

Antes de salir de excursión, revisa que tu mochila esté bien cerrada.

A2

Before going hiking, check that your rucksack is properly closed.

Los niños de primaria siempre usan mochilas muy coloridas.

A1

Elementary school children always use very colorful backpacks.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • morral (bag/satchel (often smaller or softer))
  • bulto (bag/bundle (common in some regions))

Common Collocations

  • mochila de senderismo – hiking backpack
  • mochila escolar – school backpack
  • cargar la mochila – to carry the backpack

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though 'mochila' ends in '-a' (which often means a feminine word), it's important to know the gender for sure. Use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la mochila'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Incorrect Article

Mistake: "El mochila es pesada."

Correction: La mochila es pesada. (Remember to use the feminine article 'la'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Llevar'

The verb 'llevar' is the most common way to say 'to carry' or 'to take' when talking about carrying a backpack: 'Llevo mi mochila a clase'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: mochila

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the word 'mochila' with the right gender?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

mochilero(backpacker) - noun
mochilera(backpacker (feminine)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'mochila' the only word for 'backpack' in Spanish?

No, but it is the most common and widely understood term across all Spanish-speaking countries. You might also hear 'morral' or 'bulto' in some regions, but 'mochila' is always a safe choice.

How do I say 'my backpack is heavy'?

You would say, 'Mi mochila está pesada.' Remember to use the feminine form of the adjective ('pesada') to match the noun 'mochila'.