Inklingo

How to Say "trunk" in Spanish

English → Spanish

baúl

nounA2/B1general
Use 'baúl' for a large, old-fashioned chest used for storage or travel, or for the storage compartment of a car.

Examples

Pon las bolsas del súper en el baúl.

Put the grocery bags in the trunk.

maleta

mah-LEH-tah/maˈleta/

nounA1general
While primarily meaning 'suitcase', 'maleta' can regionally or in older usage refer to the storage compartment of a car.
A single, bright red, rectangular travel suitcase with a handle, depicted in a simple style.

Examples

Mi maleta está demasiado pesada para el avión.

My suitcase is too heavy for the plane.

Abre la maleta, por favor. Quiero ver lo que empacaste.

Open the bag, please. I want to see what you packed.

Siempre viajo con una maleta de mano para evitar la fila de equipaje.

I always travel with a carry-on bag to avoid the luggage line.

Gender Rule

Remember that 'maleta' is always feminine. You must use feminine words with it: 'una maleta' (a suitcase), 'la maleta roja' (the red suitcase).

Using the wrong word for small bags

Mistake: “Using 'maleta' for a small purse or wallet.”

Correction: Use 'bolso' or 'cartera' for smaller, everyday bags. 'Maleta' is reserved for travel luggage.

tronco

/TRON-ko//ˈtɾoŋko/

nounA2/B1general
Use 'tronco' to refer to the main stem of a tree or the human torso.
A thick brown tree trunk with rough bark standing alone in a grassy field.

Examples

El tronco de este pino es muy grueso.

The trunk of this pine tree is very thick.

Necesitamos más troncos para la chimenea.

We need more logs for the fireplace.

Mantén el tronco recto mientras haces pesas.

Keep your torso straight while lifting weights.

Masculine Ending

Like most words ending in '-o', this word is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Car Trunk vs. Storage Chest

The most common confusion is between 'baúl' and 'maleta' for a car's trunk. While 'maleta' can be used regionally, 'baúl' is the more standard and widely understood term for a car's storage compartment. Remember 'maleta' primarily means suitcase.

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