Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| desempacar | /desempaˈkaɾ/ | Latin America |
| deshacer | /desaˈθeɾ/ /desaˈseɾ/ |
Spain |
| desempaquetar | /desempakeˈtaɾ/ | Spain |
The verb refers to the act of removing items from a container, such as a suitcase, a box or a parcel.
What does it mean word for word?
The word desempacar is formed by the prefix des-, which indicates undoing or reversing an action and empacar, which means to pack.
Which one should you use?
Desempacar is more frequently used for general luggage or larger containers. In contrast, desempaquetar often implies the specific act of opening and removing items from a commercial package or a parcel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the standard term is desempacar, though desmaletar is a regional variation used in certain parts of Latin America to express the act of unpacking. In Spain, deshacer is commonly used to mean unpacking a suitcase or a package and desempaquetar is also used there.
How do you pronounce it?
/desempaˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- Because deshacer is the exact opposite of the incredibly common verb hacer, meaning 'to do' or 'to make', using it to mean 'to unpack' feels like saying you are 'unmaking' your suitcase.
- The word desempaquetar incorporates the word paquete, which entered the Spanish language via the French word paquet.
- While desempacar means to unpack, its root empacar can also be used to mean 'to cram' or 'to jam' something into a tight space.
Examples in context
- Tengo que desempacar el equipaje.I have to unpack my luggage.This sentence shows how to use desempacar with luggage.Tatoeba #2267011 by cueyayotl, translation #2267010 by _undertoad
- Por favor, desembale las cajasPlease unpack the boxes
- Por favor, desacoplen los dispositivos y desempaquen los accesoriosPlease disconnect the devices and unpack the accessories
- Vamos a desempacar nuestras maletasLet's unpack our suitcases
- Abramos las maletas y saquemos nuestras cosasLet's open the suitcases and take out our things
- Déjame sacar todo antes de que empiece a decorarLet me unpack everything before I start decorating
- Necesito desempacar mi maleta ahora.I need to unpack my suitcase now.
- Ella va a desempacar las cajas en la cocina.She is going to unpack the boxes in the kitchen.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are in their new apartment.
- Daniel¿Quieres desempacar las cosas hoy?Do you want to unpack the things today?
- MaríaSí, Daniel, me gustaría terminar pronto.Yes, Daniel, I would like to finish soon.
- DanielYo voy a desempacar la ropa.I am going to unpack the clothes.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo me encargo de la cocina.Perfect, I will take care of the kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unpack” translations and entries desempacar, deshacer, desempaquetar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desempacar, desempaquetar, deshacer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
