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maletero means trunk — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 17, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

maletero

noun • /[ma-le-TE-ro]/

trunk

Example:

Pon la maleta en el maletero.

Put the suitcase in the trunk.

🧠 What does maletero mean?

The term 'maletero' refers to the storage compartment in a vehicle, typically located at the rear, used for carrying luggage and other items. It is equivalent to the 'trunk' of a car in English. In some contexts, it can also refer to a porter or baggage handler, especially in hotels or train stations.

📚 Extra examples

  • Por favor, pon la maleta en el maletero del coche.
    Please put the suitcase in the trunk of the car.
  • Necesito abrir el maletero para guardar las bolsas de la compra.
    I need to open the trunk to store the grocery bags.
  • El maletero del avión estaba lleno de equipaje.
    The cargo hold of the plane was full of luggage.
  • Un maletero nos ayudó a subir las maletas a la habitación.
    A porter helped us take the suitcases up to the room.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'maletero' is most commonly associated with the trunk of a car, its root comes from 'malla' (net) or 'mala' (bag), referring to where luggage is kept.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "maletero"

Synonyms: baúl (less common for cars, more for old chests), portaequipajes (luggage rack), mozo de equipaje (porter, baggage handler), botones (bellhop/page boy in hotels)

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'trunk' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'trunk' (of a car) in Spanish is 'maletero'.
How do you pronounce 'maletero' in Spanish?
It is pronounced mah-leh-TEH-roh. The 'll' sound is like the 'y' in 'yes', and the 'r' is a rolled 'r'.
How do you use 'maletero' in a sentence?
'Maletero' is used as a noun. For example, 'El maletero del coche está abierto.' (The car's trunk is open.) or 'El maletero del hotel guardó mi equipaje.' (The hotel porter stored my luggage.)
What is the English translation of 'maletero'?
The primary English translation of 'maletero' is 'trunk' when referring to a car. It can also mean 'porter' or 'baggage handler'.
Does 'maletero' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'maletero' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'maleteros'. If referring to a female porter, the term 'maletera' might be used, though 'maletero' is often used generically for the role.
Is 'maletero' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'maletero' is a very common word, especially when discussing cars and travel.
Does 'maletero' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meanings are 'trunk' and 'porter', in some very informal contexts, it might be used disparagingly or with other connotations depending on the region and specific social group, but these are not standard meanings.
Is 'maletero' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning of 'maletero' as the trunk of a car is generally understood in both Spain and Latin America. However, for the role of a porter, regional variations in terminology might exist. For instance, 'mozo de equipaje' is also common.

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