Inklingo

How to Say "luggage" in Spanish

English → Spanish

equipaje

/eh-kee-PAH-heh//ekiˈpahe/

nounA1general
Use 'equipaje' when referring to the collective group of suitcases, bags, and other travel items you are taking with you.
A small pile of colorful luggage, including three different-sized suitcases and a duffel bag, stacked unevenly and ready for travel.

Examples

Mi equipaje es muy pesado.

My luggage is very heavy.

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.')

efectos

eh-FEK-tohs/eˈfektos/

nounB1formal
Use 'efectos' specifically for personal belongings, often in a context of ensuring you haven't left anything behind, like after a trip or event.
An open brown suitcase containing a folded blue shirt, a red toothbrush, and a closed green book, representing personal belongings.

Examples

No olvide recoger todos sus efectos personales.

Don't forget to collect all your personal belongings.

Asegúrese de recoger todos sus efectos personales antes de salir del avión.

Make sure to collect all your personal belongings before leaving the plane.

La policía incautó sus efectos a la espera del juicio.

The police seized his goods pending trial.

Use with 'Personales'

This meaning is almost always used with the adjective 'personales' to clarify you are talking about items, not consequences.

Equipaje vs. Efectos

Learners often confuse 'equipaje' and 'efectos' because both can relate to items. Remember that 'equipaje' is the general term for your packed bags, while 'efectos' refers more to personal items you might leave behind or carry individually.

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