Inklingo

How to Say "baggage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “baggage” is “equipaje” — use 'equipaje' to refer to the general concept of luggage or the collection of items you are carrying, especially in a travel context..

English → Spanish

equipaje

/eh-kee-PAH-heh//ekiˈpahe/

nounA1general
Use 'equipaje' to refer to the general concept of luggage or the collection of items you are carrying, especially in a travel context.
A small pile of colorful luggage, including three different-sized suitcases and a duffel bag, stacked unevenly and ready for travel.

Examples

Necesito facturar mi equipaje antes de abordar.

I need to check my luggage before boarding.

¿Dónde está la cinta de equipaje número tres?

Where is baggage carousel number three?

Este equipaje de mano es demasiado grande para el compartimento.

This carry-on luggage is too big for the compartment.

Always Singular

Even if you are talking about multiple suitcases, 'equipaje' is an uncountable noun in Spanish, meaning it is always singular. Think of it like the English word 'furniture'.

Masculine Noun

Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' and masculine adjectives with it, for example, 'el equipaje ligero' (the light luggage).

Using the Plural

Mistake: “Tengo muchos equipajes.”

Correction: Tengo mucho equipaje. (You have 'much luggage,' not 'many luggages.')

maletas

/mah-LEH-tas//maˈletas/

nounA1general
Use 'maletas' when specifically referring to the suitcases or bags themselves that contain your belongings.
Three brightly colored, simple rectangular suitcases stacked slightly, ready for a journey.

Examples

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

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

Necesito comprar dos maletas nuevas para el viaje largo.

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

¡Date prisa! Ya tenemos que hacer las maletas.

Hurry up! We already have to pack our bags.

Always Plural

Since 'maletas' ends in '-s', it is the plural form. If you are referring to just one bag, you must use the singular: 'la maleta'.

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine, which means any descriptive words (adjectives) you use with it must also be feminine and plural: 'las maletas rojas' (the red suitcases).

Confusing 'Equipaje' and 'Maletas'

Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo muchos equipajes' (I have many luggages).”

Correction: Say 'Tengo muchas maletas' or 'Tengo mucho equipaje'. The word 'equipaje' (luggage) acts like a single, non-countable item, even if it refers to many bags, while 'maletas' is countable.

Equipaje vs. Maletas

Learners often confuse 'equipaje' and 'maletas'. While 'maletas' refers to the physical suitcases, 'equipaje' is a broader term encompassing all your carried items for a trip. Think of 'equipaje' as the collective noun for your travel items, and 'maletas' as the specific containers.

Related Translations

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