Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mochila | /moˈt͡ʃila/ | feminine |
| alforja | /alˈfoɾxa/ | Philippines, feminine |
| salveque | /salˈbeke/ | Costa Rica, masculine |
| macuto | /makuto/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The primary way to refer to a backpack is with the feminine noun mochila. Related to this, the verb mochilear is used to describe the activity of backpacking or traveling with a backpack, as well as the act of carrying items in a backpack.
Which one should you use?
While mochila is the most common and general term used across the Spanish-speaking world, other terms like macuto or alforja are more specific to certain regions or specific types of bags.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Philippines, alforja is used to refer to a backpack or a similar carrying bag. In Costa Rica, the masculine noun salveque is used. In Venezuela and some other Latin American countries, macuto is an informal term for a backpack. In Mexico and Central America, the word mochilón specifically refers to a larger or heavier backpack.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mochila is a feminine noun. Its plural form is las mochilas.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈtʃila/
Did you know?
- The word alforja has its roots in Arabic, specifically the word 'al-khurj', which means 'saddlebag'.
- The term alforja is used to refer to carrying bags not only in Spain but also in the Philippines.
Examples in context
- No vendí la mochila.I didn't sell the backpack.This sentence shows how to express that the backpack was not sold.Tatoeba #9719571 by JSKabylie, translation #10273918 by LimeGreenTeknii
- ¿Es tuya esta mochila?Does this backpack belong to you?This sentence is useful for asking if a backpack belongs to someone.Tatoeba #7715006 by arh, translation #7712945 by CK
- ¿Dónde está tu mochila?Where's your backpack?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of a backpack.Tatoeba #1993822 by marcelostockle, translation #1886593 by CK
- Por favor, ¿dónde puedo encontrar una mochila resistente para llevar mis cosas durante el viaje?Please, where can I find a sturdy backpack to carry my belongings during the trip?
- Disculpe, ¿podría recomendarme un buen mochilón para mis próximas expediciones?Excuse me, could you recommend a good backpack for my upcoming expeditions?
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir un buen macuto para llevar mis cosas en mi expedición por el Amazonas?Where can I get a good backpack to carry my belongings on my Amazon expedition?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are preparing for a hiking trip.
- Alejandro¿Tienes lista tu mochila, María?Do you have your backpack ready, María?
- MaríaSí, mi mochila está lista.Yes, my backpack is ready.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo también tengo la mía.Perfect, I have mine too.
- MaríaEntonces, ¡vamos a la montaña!Then, let's go to the mountains!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backpack” translations and entries mochila, alforja, salveque, macuto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alforja, mochila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
