mochila
/moˈt͡ʃila/
The Spanish word mochila means backpack.
A mochila is a bag with straps that go over the shoulders and is carried on the back.
How does it change in a sentence?
mochila is a feminine noun, so it is used with feminine articles such as la or una. To form the plural, add -s to the end to get mochilas. In Latin America, the diminutive form La Mochilita is used to refer to a small or cute backpack.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈtʃila/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, mochila is used metaphorically to describe an emotional 'burden' or a collection of past traumas that a person carries through life.
- The word mochila comes from the Basque word motxil, which is a diminutive form of the word for 'boy'.
- In Colombia and other Latin American areas, mochila refers to a specific style of traditional hand-woven bags, such as those crafted by the Wayuu people.
Examples in context
- La mochila está en el sueloThe backpack is on the floor
- Ella tiene una mochila grandeShe has a big backpack
- Mi mochila es azul.My backpack is blue.
- Mi mochila es muy pesada.My backpack is very heavy.
- ¿Dónde dejaste tu mochila?Where did you leave your backpack?
- Necesito una mochila nueva para la escuela.I need a new backpack for school.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are preparing to go to school.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿ya tienes tu mochila?Alejandro, do you already have your backpack?
- AlejandroNo, no encuentro mi mochila.No, I cannot find my backpack.
- ElenaEstá en la cocina, Alejandro.It is in the kitchen, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena. Ya la veo.Thanks, Elena. I see it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mochila, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mochila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
