bagagem
/baˈɡa.ʒẽj̃/feminine
The Portuguese word for luggage is bagagem.
bagagem is a common term used to describe a traveller's containers. You can also use malas, which translates to suitcases, as a general term for luggage.
Meaning: traveller's containers (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bagagem refers to the collective concept of luggage, the word mala refers to a single specific suitcase or bag.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the specific phrase mala de viagem is used for travel luggage. In Portugal, the term bagagem de mão is used specifically for hand luggage or carry-on luggage.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is bagagens, although in Portuguese it is often used in the singular to refer to the collective mass of luggage.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /baˈɡa.ʒẽj̃/.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the word mala can also be used to describe a person who is 'difficult' or 'unpleasant' to deal with, much like the English slang 'a pain'.
- If you are in a Brazilian airport, you might hear someone refer to their 'bagagem de porão', which literally translates to 'hold luggage' because it is kept in the plane's belly.
- In some Portuguese contexts, the term bagagem cultural is used metaphorically to describe a person's level of education or life experience.
Examples in context
- Qual é a sua bagagem?Which is your luggage?This sentence is useful for asking which luggage belongs to someone.Tatoeba #418177 by brauliobezerra, translation #2218 by Zifre
- Quem carregou a bagagem?Who carried the luggage?This sentence is useful for asking who carried the luggage.Tatoeba #2167057 by alexmarcelo, translation #2167436 by CM
- Minha bagagem foi perdida.My luggage got lost.This sentence is useful for stating that luggage was lost.Tatoeba #2635480 by Ricardo14, translation #2635473 by Joseph
- Favor verificar sua bagagem antes de deixar o aeroporto.Please check your luggage before leaving the airport.
- Não se esqueça das suas malas no táxi.Don't forget your luggage in the taxi.
- Preciso comprar uma mala de viagem nova para a próxima aventura.I need to buy a new travel luggage for the next adventure.
- Certifique-se de cumprir as restrições de tamanho para a bagagem de mão.Make sure to comply with the size restrictions for hand luggage.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are at the airport arrivals area.
- BeatrizVocê já pegou a sua bagagem, Felipe?Did you already get your luggage, Felipe?
- FelipeSim, a minha bagagem chegou agora.Yes, my luggage just arrived.
- BeatrizA minha bagagem está demorando muito.My luggage is taking a long time.
- FelipeEspero que a sua bagagem apareça logo.I hope your luggage appears soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luggage” translations and entries bagagem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
