Spanish word

maleta

Pronunciation

IPA/maˈleta/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsuitcase

Example

La maleta está en la habitación.

The suitcase is in the room.

Illustration for maleta (suitcase)

More examples

Al llegar, no encontré mi maleta en la cinta.

When I arrived, I did not find my suitcase on the conveyor belt.

Core concept

A closable travel case with handles and often wheels for carrying personal belongings.

Common phrases

  • dejar la maleta en la habitación

    leave the suitcase in the room

  • recoger la maleta en la cinta

    pick up the suitcase on the conveyor belt

Similar words

equipaje: All the luggage and personal items that a person takes or checks when going on a trip.
mochila: Soft or hard bag carried on the back with straps, convenient for school, commuting, or travel.
bolso: Compact bag carried by hand or over the shoulder to hold everyday small items.
valija: Hard or soft suitcase commonly used in many Latin American countries for packing clothing for trips.

Definition in Spanish

Contenedor para transportar el equipaje personal en desplazamientos, normalmente con cierre y con elementos que facilitan su traslado.

Word origin

From French malette, a diminutive of malle 'trunk', the Spanish word derives from that French form to name a travel case.

Usage tips

  • Use maleta for one piece of luggage while equipaje refers to luggage collectively, and note the common verbs 'hacer la maleta' (to pack) and 'llevar la maleta' (to carry it).

Other meanings

  • trunknoun
  • luggagenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word