Inklingo

How to Say "bags" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forbagsis bolsasuse 'bolsas' for general-purpose containers used for shopping, carrying groceries, or holding items..

English → Spanish

bolsas

BOHL-sahsˈbolsas

nounA1general
Use 'bolsas' for general-purpose containers used for shopping, carrying groceries, or holding items.
A stack of colorful, reusable shopping bags, some empty and some containing groceries.

Examples

Por favor, ¿me da dos bolsas de plástico para la fruta?

Please, could you give me two plastic bags for the fruit?

Las bolsas de papel son más ecológicas que las de plástico.

Paper bags are more ecological than plastic ones.

Always Feminine

'Bolsas' is the plural of 'bolsa,' which is always a feminine word, so you must use feminine words (like 'las' or 'estas') before it.

Gender Confusion

Mistake:Los bolsas son grandes.

Correction: Las bolsas son grandes. (Remember: 'bolsa' is feminine.)

maletas

/mah-LEH-tas//maˈletas/

nounA1general
Use 'maletas' specifically for luggage or suitcases that you take with you when traveling.
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.

Shopping Bags vs. Travel Bags

The most common mistake is using 'maletas' when you mean shopping bags. Remember, 'maletas' are specifically for travel; for everyday carrying or shopping, 'bolsas' is the correct term.

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