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empacar means to pack — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 28, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

empacar

verb • /[em-pa-CAR]/

to pack

Example:

Necesito empacar antes del vuelo.

I need to pack before the flight.

🧠 What does empacar mean?

The verb empacar means to put items into a suitcase, bag, or box in preparation for a trip or to store them. It signifies the action of gathering and arranging belongings for transport or safekeeping. This verb is fundamental for anyone planning to travel or move.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito empacar mi ropa antes de ir al aeropuerto.
    I need to pack my clothes before going to the airport.
  • ¿Ya empacaste todo lo necesario para la vacación?
    Have you already packed everything necessary for the vacation?
  • Los mudanceros empacaron los libros con mucho cuidado.
    The movers packed the books very carefully.
  • Voy a empacar algunos bocadillos para el camino.
    I am going to pack some snacks for the journey.
  • Recuerda empacar un suéter, hace frío en las montañas.
    Remember to pack a sweater, it is cold in the mountains.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'empacar' is the most common verb for 'to pack', in some contexts, especially when referring to packing for a specific type of event or item, other verbs might be used for nuance, though 'empacar' remains the standard.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "empacar"

Synonyms: meter, guardar, meter en (un baúl, una maleta)
Opposites: desempacar, sacar

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to pack' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to pack' in Spanish is empacar.
How do you pronounce 'empacar' in Spanish?
Empacar is pronounced em-pah-CAR. The stress falls on the last syllable, 'car'.
How do you use 'empacar' in a sentence?
Empacar is used to describe the act of putting items into containers for travel or storage. For example: 'Tengo que empacar mi maleta' (I have to pack my suitcase).
What is the English translation of 'empacar'?
The English translation of 'empacar' is 'to pack'.
Does 'empacar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'empacar' itself does not change for gender or number. However, the subject pronouns or nouns it refers to will agree in gender and number.
Is 'empacar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'empacar' is a very common verb used in everyday Spanish, especially when discussing travel or moving.
Does 'empacar' have slang or double meanings?
In standard Spanish, 'empacar' primarily means 'to pack'. While slang can vary regionally, this word is generally understood in its direct sense.
Is 'empacar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'empacar' are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America, referring to the act of packing items.
How do you conjugate 'empacar' in Spanish?
'Empacar' is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense, it conjugates as: yo empaco, tú empacas, él/ella/usted empaca, nosotros/nosotras empacamos, vosotros/vosotras empacáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes empacan.

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