Portuguese · Travel & Getting Around
"Suitcase" in Portuguese: mala
a mala
Suitcase in Portuguese is a mala. Bagagem is luggage as a whole; mala is one case. Say fazer a mala for to pack.
Packing night
Ainda não fechei a mala para amanhã.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce mala
Say it
MAH-lah
/ˈma.la/
MAH-lah
"Suitcase" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a mala | the suitcase One travel case. | One travel case. |
| fazer a mala | to pack (the suitcase) Pre-trip routine. | Pre-trip routine. |
| mala de mão | carry-on suitcase Cabin size. | Cabin size. |
| mala grande | large suitcase Checked bag talk. | Checked bag talk. |
How to use mala in real life
- 1Packing night
Ainda não fechei a mala para amanhã.
I still haven't closed the suitcase for tomorrow.
Fechar a mala = finish packing.
- 2Airport
Essa mala passa como bagagem de mão?
Does this suitcase count as carry-on?
Size question.
- 3Helping a friend
Posso levar sua mala até o táxi?
Can I take your suitcase to the taxi?
Offer of help.
Mistakes English speakers make with mala
Incorrect: O mala está pesado.
Correct: A mala está pesada.
Mala is feminine.
Incorrect: Cadê minha suitcase?
Correct: Cadê minha mala?
Use mala.
Good to know
Fazer a mala is the packing ritual before any Brazilian holiday. Mala vs bagagem: one case versus everything you are checking.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Leaving a hotel
ChatPal
Sua mala já está pronta?
Is your suitcase ready?
You
Quase. A mala ficou pesada demais.
Almost. The suitcase got too heavy.
ChatPal
Tira um casaco da mala, talvez.
Take a coat out of the suitcase, maybe.
You
Boa ideia. Agora a mala fecha.
Good idea. Now the suitcase closes.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Suitcase" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Suitcase" in Portuguese
Suitcase?
A mala.
To pack?
Fazer a mala.
Luggage overall?
A bagagem.
Gender?
Feminine: a mala.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
