valija
“valija” means “suitcase” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
suitcase
Also: bag
📝 In Action
Tengo que preparar la valija para mi viaje mañana.
A1I have to pack my suitcase for my trip tomorrow.
Esa valija roja es muy pesada.
A1That red suitcase is very heavy.
Perdí mi valija en el aeropuerto de Buenos Aires.
B1I lost my suitcase at the Buenos Aires airport.
pouch
Also: mailbag
📝 In Action
Los documentos llegaron ayer por valija diplomática.
B2The documents arrived yesterday via diplomatic pouch.
El mensajero lleva la valija postal al correo central.
C1The courier is taking the mailbag to the central post office.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: valija
Question 1 of 3
If you are packing for a vacation in Buenos Aires, what are you doing?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from the Italian 'valigia' or French 'valise', which have been used for centuries to describe bags for travelers.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'valija' and 'maleta'?
They mean the same thing (suitcase). 'Maleta' is used in most Spanish-speaking countries, while 'valija' is the preferred word in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Can I use 'valija' in Spain?
Yes, people will understand you, but they will know you are likely from South America. In Spain, they almost always say 'maleta'.
Is 'valija' the same as 'equipaje'?
Not exactly. 'Valija' is the specific container (the suitcase), while 'equipaje' refers to the concept of 'luggage' as a whole.