hacer la maleta
/aθeɾ la maleta/from spelling rules
To pack a suitcase in Spanish is hacer la maleta.
The phrase is used to describe the act of putting clothes and other belongings into a bag for a trip.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hacer la maleta is literally translated as 'to make the suitcase'.
Which one should you use?
While hacer la maleta refers to packing a single suitcase, you can use the plural form hacer las maletas if you are packing more than one bag.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb hacer is used in its infinitive form to express the general action of packing. To express the continuous action of currently packing the suitcase, use the gerund form haciendo la maleta.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeɾ la maleta/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, saying hacer las maletas can be used idiomatically to mean leaving a relationship or a situation permanently, rather than just going on a holiday.
- The word maleta was not originally Spanish but entered the language through Old French and Medieval Latin.
- While English speakers 'pack' a bag, Spanish speakers 'make' a suitcase. This reflects a wider pattern where hacer is used for preparing various things, such as 'making the bed'.
Examples in context
- Necesito hacer la maleta para el viaje.I need to pack my suitcase for the trip.
- Tengo que hacer la maleta para el viaje de mañana.I have to pack my suitcase for tomorrow's trip.
- Tengo que hacer la maleta para el viaje.I have to pack my suitcase for the trip.
- ¿Ya terminaste de hacer la maleta?Have you finished packing your suitcase yet?
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are preparing for a weekend getaway.
- JavierLucía, ¿ya empezaste a hacer la maleta?Lucía, have you started packing your suitcase yet?
- LucíaNo, todavía me falta hacer la maleta.No, I still need to pack my suitcase.
- JavierYo ya hice la maleta ayer.I already packed my suitcase yesterday.
- Lucía¡Qué rápido eres!You are so fast!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, la, maleta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
