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"Maleta" is a noun which is often translated as "suitcase", and "caja de herramientas" is a noun which is often translated as "toolbox". Learn more about the difference between "maleta" and "caja de herramientas" below.
la maleta(
mah
-
leh
-
tah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. suitcase
Mi primo le dio la vuelta a la cuadra con una maleta vacía.My cousin took an empty suitcase for a stroll around the block.
b. case
Ya tengo empacada la maleta y estoy listo para irme al aeropuerto.My case is packed and I'm ready to head to the airport.
c. bag
Por favor, llegue una hora antes del vuelo si necesita facturar una maleta.Please arrive an hour before your flight if you need to check a bag.
2. (automobile)
Regionalism used in Chile
(Chile)
Regionalism used in Uruguay
(Uruguay)
Regionalism used in Venezuela
(Venezuela)
a. trunk
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
No traigan más cosas, no cabe más en esta maleta.Don't take anything else; there's no room left in this trunk.
b. boot
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
¡Se me olvidaron las bolsas de la compra en la maleta del taxi!I forgot my shopping bags in the cab's boot!
3. (bump) (Andes)
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
(Caribbean)
a. hump
El anciano tiene una maleta entre los hombros.The old man has a hump between his shoulders.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
4.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(worthless person)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. useless (adjective)
El nuevo portero es un maleta.The new caretaker is useless.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
5.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(inept)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. useless
Soy bien maleta para preparar consomé de pollo; siempre le pongo demasiada sal.I'm useless at making chicken soup; I always add too much salt.
6. (idle)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. lazy
No seas maleta y ayúdame con las bolsas.Don't be lazy; help me with the bags.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
la caja de herramientas(
kah
-
hah
 
deh
 
eh
-
rrah
-
myehn
-
tahs
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. toolbox
Es bueno tener una caja de herramientas en casa para las pequeñas reparaciones.It's a good idea to have a toolbox at home for small repairs.
b. tool box
La plomera dejó olvidada su caja de herramientas en la cocina.The plumber forgot her tool box in the kitchen.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.