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A2 noun #5,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

Malas

Top 5,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Malas en 30 secondes

Explication Malas in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'malas' is introduced as a basic noun related to travel. Students learn that it means 'suitcases' and is a feminine word. They focus on simple sentences like 'Eu tenho duas malas' (I have two suitcases). The primary goal is to recognize the word in an airport or hotel setting. Learners are taught the singular 'mala' and the plural 'malas', and they begin to pair it with basic colors and sizes, such as 'mala azul' or 'mala grande'. There is no focus on slang or complex idioms at this stage, only the literal physical object used for carrying clothes during a trip.

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At the A2 level, students expand their use of 'malas' to include common travel-related verbs and expressions. They learn 'fazer as malas' (to pack) and 'desfazer as malas' (to unpack). The distinction between 'mala de mão' (carry-on) and 'mala de porão' (checked luggage) becomes important. Learners should be able to describe their luggage in more detail and ask questions at a check-in counter. They also start to notice the difference between 'mala' and 'bolsa'. The focus is on functional communication in travel scenarios, ensuring the student can handle their belongings in a Portuguese-speaking country.

At the B1 level, learners begin to encounter the word 'malas' in more varied contexts, including idiomatic expressions. They might learn the Brazilian slang where 'mala' refers to an annoying person, though they are encouraged to use it cautiously. Grammatically, they use 'malas' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Se eu tivesse feito as malas ontem, não estaríamos atrasados' (If I had packed the bags yesterday, we wouldn't be late). They also learn the collective noun 'bagagem' and when to use it instead of 'malas' to sound more natural or formal.

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At the B2 level, students use 'malas' fluently in both literal and figurative senses. They understand the nuances of the word in different Lusophone countries, such as the use of 'mala' for 'handbag' in Portugal versus 'bolsa' in Brazil. They can discuss abstract concepts like 'mala emocional' (emotional baggage) and use the word in professional contexts, such as 'mala direta' (direct mail). Their vocabulary includes related terms like 'maleta', 'valise', and 'necessaire'. They can handle complex interactions involving lost luggage or insurance claims with ease and appropriate register.

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At the C1 level, the word 'malas' is used with high precision. The learner is aware of the historical and cultural connotations of the word, including its role in Portuguese literature and news. They can use and understand advanced idioms like 'mala sem alça' in various social contexts with the correct tone. They are comfortable with the technical terminology of the travel and leather goods industries. Their use of 'malas' in writing is sophisticated, employing it as a metaphor for life's journeys or burdens. They can distinguish between subtle regional variations across the entire Lusophone world.

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At the C2 level, the speaker has a near-native command of 'malas' and all its derivatives. They can appreciate wordplay, puns, and deep cultural references involving the word. They understand the etymological roots and how the word has shifted over centuries. In a professional or academic setting, they can discuss the logistics of 'malas' in global trade or its representation in art and cinema. There are no mistakes in gender, agreement, or register. The word is simply one tool among many in a vast, highly nuanced vocabulary that allows for complete self-expression.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Malas en 30 secondes

Malas means suitcases or luggage in Portuguese and is a feminine plural noun used primarily in travel contexts for packing belongings.
The most common phrase is 'fazer as malas', which means to pack your bags, while 'desfazer as malas' means to unpack them.
In Brazil, 'malas' can slangily refer to annoying people, and 'porta-malas' is the word for a car's trunk, whereas Portugal uses 'bagageira'.
Learners must remember that 'mala' is feminine (as malas) and should not be confused with 'bolsa' (purse) or 'mochila' (backpack).

The word malas is the plural form of mala, a fundamental noun in the Portuguese language primarily referring to suitcases, luggage, or bags used for travel. While its core definition is physical and utilitarian, the word carries significant cultural weight in Portuguese-speaking societies, particularly in the context of the great Lusophone tradition of exploration and migration. When you hear a Portuguese speaker talk about their malas, they are usually referring to the rectangular containers used to pack clothes and personal items for a journey. However, the scope of the word extends beyond just the airport terminal.

Physical Object: In its most literal sense, malas are suitcases. This includes hard-shell luggage, soft-sided bags, and even large trunks in a historical context. If you are at the Aeroporto de Lisboa, you will constantly see signs for 'recolha de bagagem' where your malas appear on the carousel.
Colloquial Slang: In Brazil and increasingly in Portugal, calling someone a 'mala' (usually 'mala sem alça'—a suitcase without a handle) means they are extremely annoying, tedious, or difficult to deal with. It implies they are a heavy burden that is hard to carry around.

Preciso de ajuda para carregar estas malas pesadas até o carro.

Translation: I need help carrying these heavy suitcases to the car.

The term is also used in the automotive world. In Portugal, the trunk of a car is called the bagageira, but in Brazil, it is commonly referred to as the porta-malas (literally, the 'luggage-carrier'). This highlights a major dialectal difference that travelers should be aware of. If you are renting a car in São Paulo, you'll put your malas in the porta-malas; in Porto, you'll put them in the bagageira.

Historically, the production of malas has been a significant craft in Portugal, known for its high-quality leather goods. Cities like São João da Madeira have a long-standing history of manufacturing luxury travel gear. Therefore, when discussing malas, one might also be touching upon the national pride in leather craftsmanship and the durability of Portuguese exports. Whether you are packing for a weekend in the Algarve or moving across the Atlantic, the malas represent the transition between the known and the unknown, making it a word filled with emotional resonance for many.

Using malas correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a feminine plural noun and the specific verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verb associated with this noun is fazer (to do/make). In Portuguese, you don't 'pack' your bags in the same way English speakers do; you 'make' your bags: fazer as malas.

Fazer as malas: This is the standard expression for packing. It can be literal or metaphorical. Literal: 'Vou fazer as malas para a viagem.' Metaphorical: 'Ele fez as malas e saiu de casa,' implying he left for good.
Desfazer as malas: The opposite of packing. This is what you do when you arrive at your destination or return home. 'É tão chato desfazer as malas depois das férias.'

As malas de mão não podem pesar mais de dez quilos.

Translation: Carry-on bags cannot weigh more than ten kilograms.

When describing the suitcases, adjectives must agree in gender (feminine) and number (plural). For example, malas pesadas (heavy suitcases), malas pequenas (small bags), or malas perdidas (lost luggage). If you are at a hotel, you might ask the bellhop (o paquete): 'Pode levar as minhas malas para o quarto?'

In a more technical or formal setting, such as an insurance claim or a customs declaration, you might see the word volumes used to refer to individual pieces of luggage, but malas remains the standard term for everyday conversation. You will also encounter the term mala de mão for carry-on luggage and mala de porão for checked luggage. Understanding these distinctions is vital for navigating Portuguese airports efficiently.

Onde posso despachar as minhas malas?

Translation: Where can I check in my bags?

The word malas is ubiquitous in travel hubs, but its presence in Portuguese life is much broader. If you are standing in a queue at the Portela Airport in Lisbon or the Galeão in Rio de Janeiro, you will hear it constantly. Ground staff will ask for your cartão de embarque and how many malas you are checking in. But beyond the airport, the word appears in domestic and social contexts that reveal much about the culture.

At the Hotel: Upon arrival, the receptionist might say: 'O funcionário irá subir com as suas malas em breve.' (The staff member will bring up your bags shortly.) Here, it’s a standard part of the hospitality vocabulary.
In the News: You might hear 'malas de dinheiro' (suitcases of money) in news reports regarding corruption scandals. This is a common trope in Brazilian and Portuguese media to describe illicit cash being transported covertly.

Esqueci as malas no táxi!

Translation: I left the suitcases in the taxi!

In a social setting, particularly in Brazil, the slang usage is very common. If a friend is being particularly boring or repetitive, someone might whisper: 'Que cara mala!' (What an annoying guy!). This use of mala as a personality trait is something you won't find in a formal dictionary but is essential for understanding native speakers in informal environments. It suggests the person is 'heavy' to be around, much like a physical suitcase.

You will also hear it in the context of shopping. Portugal is famous for its leather goods, and high-end stores in Chiado or Avenida da Liberdade will showcase malas de luxo. In this context, the word takes on an air of elegance and fashion, moving away from the utilitarian travel bag to a stylish accessory. Therefore, whether you are at a high-end boutique, a crowded airport, or a casual bar, the word malas will follow you throughout your Portuguese-speaking journey.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with the word malas is related to grammatical gender. Because 'suitcase' is neutral in English, learners often default to the masculine 'o' or 'os'. In Portuguese, however, mala is strictly feminine. Saying 'os malas' when referring to luggage is a clear indicator of a non-native speaker. It must always be as malas.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: 'Meus malas estão no carro.' Correct: 'Minhas malas estão no carro.' (My bags are in the car.) Always match possessive pronouns and adjectives to the feminine gender.
Mala vs. Bolsa vs. Mochila: Learners often use 'mala' for every type of bag. A 'mala' is typically a suitcase. A 'bolsa' is a purse or handbag (though in Portugal 'mala' can also mean this). A 'mochila' is a backpack. Using 'mala' for a backpack sounds strange to native ears.

Aquela mala é muito grande para o avião.

Translation: That suitcase is too big for the plane.

Another common error is the literal translation of 'to pack'. English speakers want to say 'empacotar as malas'. While 'empacotar' exists, it means to pack things into boxes (like for a move). For travel, the only natural expression is fazer as malas. Similarly, for 'unpacking', don't say 'desempacotar'; use desfazer as malas.

Finally, watch out for the pluralization of compound words involving 'mala'. In Brazil, the car trunk is o porta-malas. Even if a car has only one trunk, the word 'malas' stays in the plural within that compound noun. 'O porta-mala' (singular) is technically incorrect in this specific compound construction. By being mindful of these gender, vocabulary, and compound rules, you can avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this essential word.

While malas is the most common term, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related words that can make your speech more precise or formal. Depending on the context—whether you are at a luxury hotel or hiking in the mountains—you might choose a different word to describe your containers.

Bagagem: This is the collective noun for luggage. While 'malas' refers to the individual units, 'bagagem' refers to the whole set. It is more formal and used in official airport terminology. 'A sua bagagem está no porão.'
Valise: An older, more elegant word for a small suitcase or briefcase. You might find this in classic literature or used by older generations to describe a small, handheld travel bag.
Mochila: Crucial for students and hikers. A 'mochila' is a backpack. In modern travel, many people use a 'mochila' instead of 'malas' for short trips.

Eles trouxeram muita bagagem para uma viagem tão curta.

Translation: They brought a lot of luggage for such a short trip.

In a professional context, you might use pasta (briefcase/folder) or maleta (small suitcase/attaché case). A doctor might carry a maleta médica. Understanding these nuances helps you describe exactly what you are carrying. For instance, if you say you have malas, people expect large suitcases. If you have a bolsa de viagem, they expect a duffel bag or a softer travel bag.

Lastly, consider the word fardão or baú for very large trunks, though these are rarely used in modern travel. In the digital age, we even use the word mala direta to refer to direct mail or spam, showing how the concept of a 'container' for delivery has evolved. By mastering these alternatives, you transition from a basic learner to a more nuanced communicator in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'mala de cartão' (cardboard suitcase) is a powerful cultural icon in Portugal, representing the wave of emigration to France in the 1960s.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈma.lɐʃ/

US /ˈma.las/

The stress is on the first syllable: MA-las.

Rime avec

Balas (bullets/candies) Falas (you speak) Valas (ditches) Galas (galas) Salas (rooms) Calas (you shut up) Ralas (you grate) Talas (splints)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound.
Nasalizing the first 'a' like 'mã-las' (incorrect).
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
In European Portuguese, failing to make the 'sh' sound at the end.
Pronouncing it like the English word 'mail'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Need to remember the feminine gender and plural agreement.

Expression orale 2/5

European Portuguese 'sh' ending can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 2/5

Easily confused with 'balas' if not careful.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Viagem Roupa Carro Avião Ter

Apprends ensuite

Passaporte Bilhete Alfândega Embarque Escala

Avancé

Extravio Franquia de bagagem Transbordo Alfandegário Itinerário

Grammaire à connaître

Gender Agreement

As malas (feminine) must take feminine adjectives: 'malas novas', not 'malas novos'.

Pluralization

Nouns ending in 'a' simply add 's': mala -> malas.

Compound Noun Invariability (Brazil)

In 'porta-malas', the word 'malas' usually stays plural even if referring to one trunk.

Contractions with Articles

Nas malas (em + as malas), das malas (de + as malas).

Verb Collocation 'Fazer'

Always use 'fazer' for packing, never 'empacotar' for travel luggage.

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Exemples par niveau

Eu tenho três malas.

I have three suitcases.

Simple plural noun with a number.

A minha mala é vermelha.

My suitcase is red.

Singular feminine agreement.

Onde estão as malas?

Where are the suitcases?

Question with plural definite article.

As malas são pesadas.

The suitcases are heavy.

Plural adjective agreement.

Esta é a minha mala de mão.

This is my carry-on bag.

Compound noun phrase.

Eu preciso de uma mala nova.

I need a new suitcase.

Indefinite article usage.

As malas estão no carro.

The suitcases are in the car.

Prepositional phrase 'no' (em + o).

Ela tem malas pequenas.

She has small bags.

Plural adjective agreement.

Vou fazer as malas hoje à noite.

I am going to pack the bags tonight.

Idiom 'fazer as malas'.

Pode me ajudar com estas malas?

Can you help me with these suitcases?

Request with demonstrative pronoun.

Nós perdemos as nossas malas no aeroporto.

We lost our suitcases at the airport.

Past tense verb with possessive.

Não esqueça de fechar bem as malas.

Don't forget to close the suitcases well.

Imperative negative.

Quantas malas você vai levar?

How many suitcases are you going to take?

Interrogative with 'quantas'.

As malas já estão prontas.

The suitcases are already ready.

Adjective 'prontas' agreeing with 'malas'.

Ele colocou as malas no porta-malas.

He put the suitcases in the trunk.

Brazilian Portuguese term 'porta-malas'.

Preciso de etiquetas para as minhas malas.

I need tags for my suitcases.

Plural noun with prepositional phrase.

Ainda não tive tempo de desfazer as malas.

I haven't had time to unpack yet.

Verb 'desfazer' (to undo/unpack).

Se as malas não chegarem, teremos um problema.

If the bags don't arrive, we will have a problem.

Future subjunctive 'chegarem'.

A minha mala de mão foi revistada pela segurança.

My carry-on bag was searched by security.

Passive voice 'foi revistada'.

É melhor levar malas com rodas para facilitar.

It's better to take suitcases with wheels to make it easier.

Prepositional phrase 'com rodas'.

As malas dele são sempre muito organizadas.

His suitcases are always very organized.

Adverb 'sempre' with adjective agreement.

Ela comprou um conjunto de malas de couro.

She bought a set of leather suitcases.

Noun phrase 'conjunto de malas'.

As malas foram enviadas diretamente para o hotel.

The suitcases were sent directly to the hotel.

Compound past with passive voice.

Não aguento mais carregar estas malas pesadas.

I can't stand carrying these heavy suitcases anymore.

Expression 'não aguento mais'.

Ele é um verdadeiro mala, ninguém gosta de conversar com ele.

He is really annoying, nobody likes talking to him.

Slang usage of 'mala' for an annoying person.

A companhia aérea é responsável pelo extravio das malas.

The airline is responsible for the loss of the bags.

Formal vocabulary 'extravio'.

Temos que limitar o peso das malas para evitar taxas extras.

We have to limit the weight of the bags to avoid extra fees.

Infinitive verb 'evitar'.

A mala diplomática não pode ser aberta pela alfândega.

The diplomatic bag cannot be opened by customs.

Technical term 'mala diplomática'.

Ela carrega muitas malas do passado em seus relacionamentos.

She carries a lot of baggage from the past in her relationships.

Metaphorical use of 'malas'.

As malas de luxo daquela marca são feitas à mão.

The luxury suitcases of that brand are handmade.

Passive voice with 'feitas'.

O porta-malas do carro é pequeno demais para tanta bagagem.

The car's trunk is too small for so much luggage.

Comparison between 'porta-malas' and 'bagagem'.

Independentemente do destino, as malas devem estar identificadas.

Regardless of the destination, the bags must be identified.

Adverb 'independentemente'.

A campanha de mala direta obteve resultados surpreendentes.

The direct mail campaign achieved surprising results.

Marketing term 'mala direta'.

Ele é um mala sem alça, impossível de aturar por muito tempo.

He is an insufferable person, impossible to put up with for long.

Complete idiom 'mala sem alça'.

A indústria de malas em Portugal tem sofrido com a concorrência asiática.

The suitcase industry in Portugal has suffered from Asian competition.

Present perfect continuous 'tem sofrido'.

Ao despachar as malas, certifique-se de que não há objetos de valor.

When checking in your bags, make sure there are no valuables.

Imperative 'certifique-se'.

O conteúdo das malas foi confiscado pelas autoridades sanitárias.

The contents of the suitcases were confiscated by health authorities.

Formal passive voice.

A versatilidade das malas modernas permite viagens mais ágeis.

The versatility of modern suitcases allows for more agile travel.

Abstract noun 'versatilidade'.

Não se deve julgar uma pessoa pelas malas que ela carrega.

One should not judge a person by the baggage they carry.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

As malas de viagem tornaram-se símbolos de status social.

Travel suitcases have become symbols of social status.

Reflexive verb 'tornaram-se'.

A narrativa explora o peso existencial das malas que os exilados transportam.

The narrative explores the existential weight of the baggage that exiles carry.

Highly abstract and literary usage.

A regulamentação sobre as malas de porão sofreu alterações drásticas este ano.

The regulations on checked luggage underwent drastic changes this year.

Formal administrative language.

A sofisticação técnica das malas de fibra de carbono é inquestionável.

The technical sophistication of carbon fiber suitcases is unquestionable.

Precise technical vocabulary.

Ele tentou passar pela alfândega com malas de fundo falso.

He tried to go through customs with false-bottom suitcases.

Specific term 'fundo falso'.

A obsolescência das malas de couro tradicionais é um tema de debate no setor.

The obsolescence of traditional leather suitcases is a topic of debate in the sector.

Academic/Professional register.

As malas, outrora meros contentores, são hoje peças de engenharia de precisão.

Suitcases, once mere containers, are today pieces of precision engineering.

Use of archaic/literary 'outrora'.

A proliferação de malas abandonadas em locais públicos gera alertas de segurança.

The proliferation of abandoned bags in public places triggers security alerts.

Complex noun-heavy sentence structure.

O desapego material reflete-se na escolha de malas cada vez mais minimalistas.

Material detachment is reflected in the choice of increasingly minimalist suitcases.

Reflexive construction with 'reflete-se'.

Collocations courantes

Fazer as malas

Desfazer as malas

Mala de mão

Mala de porão

Perder as malas

Carregar as malas

Malas pesadas

Conjunto de malas

Etiqueta de mala

Porta-malas

Phrases Courantes

Estar com as malas prontas

— To be completely ready to leave or travel. It implies anticipation.

Já estou com as malas prontas para as férias.

Viver de malas aviadas

— To be always ready to travel or move; to live a nomadic life.

Ele vive de malas aviadas, nunca para num sítio.

Mala sem alça

— A very annoying or boring person who is hard to 'carry' or endure.

Aquele colega é um mala sem alça.

Fazer as malas e partir

— To pack up and leave, often permanently or after a conflict.

Ela fez as malas e partiu sem dizer adeus.

Mala direta

— Direct mail marketing; sending advertisements directly to consumers.

Recebi muita mala direta esta semana.

Mala diplomática

— A bag used by diplomats to send official correspondence, exempt from customs.

Os documentos vieram na mala diplomática.

Mala de ferramentas

— A toolbox; a container specifically for mechanical or manual tools.

Onde está a minha mala de ferramentas?

Mala de primeiros socorros

— A first aid kit; a bag containing emergency medical supplies.

É obrigatório ter uma mala de primeiros socorros no carro.

Extravio de malas

— The legal/official term for losing luggage during transport.

O extravio de malas é um pesadelo para os viajantes.

Revistar as malas

— To search the bags, usually done by security or customs officers.

A polícia decidiu revistar as malas dos suspeitos.

Souvent confondu avec

Malas vs Balas

Means bullets or candies. Sounds very similar to 'malas'.

Malas vs Bolsas

Means bags or purses. Used for smaller items, not usually large suitcases.

Malas vs Malhas

Means knits or meshes. The 'lh' sound is different but can be confused by beginners.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Mala sem alça"

— An extremely tedious or annoying person. Like a suitcase without a handle, they are a burden to carry around.

Não convide o Pedro, ele é um mala sem alça.

Informal

"Pôr-se nas alhetas/Fazer as malas"

— To prepare to leave quickly, often to escape a situation.

Quando viu a confusão, fez as malas e sumiu.

Informal

"Carregar as malas de alguém"

— To do someone's dirty work or to be subservient to someone.

Eu não estou aqui para carregar as tuas malas!

Informal

"Mala cheia"

— Having a lot of money or being successful (regional/slang).

Ele voltou da viagem de mala cheia.

Informal

"Dar o fora/Pegar as malas"

— To leave a relationship or a home abruptly.

Ela pegou as malas e foi embora.

Informal

"Estar de malas prontas para o sucesso"

— To be fully prepared and destined for a successful outcome.

Com esse projeto, estás de malas prontas para o sucesso.

Colloquial

"Trocar as malas"

— To make a mistake or get confused between two similar things.

Desculpe, troquei as malas e dei-lhe a informação errada.

Informal

"Mala de garupa"

— Someone who follows another person everywhere (Southern Brazil).

Ele é a minha mala de garupa.

Regional

"Fazer a mala a alguém"

— To plot against someone to get them fired or removed from a position.

Estão a tentar fazer-lhe a mala no trabalho.

Slang (Portugal)

"Mala de cartão"

— A symbol of Portuguese emigration in the 60s (cardboard suitcase). Represents poverty and hope.

O meu avô partiu para França com uma mala de cartão.

Historical/Cultural

Facile à confondre

Malas vs Mala

Gender and meaning in different countries.

In Portugal, 'mala' can mean a woman's handbag. In Brazil, it's strictly a suitcase or slang for an annoying person. In Brazil, a handbag is a 'bolsa'.

Portugal: 'Gosto da tua mala nova' (handbag). Brazil: 'Gosto da tua bolsa nova' (handbag).

Malas vs Bagagem

Collective vs. Individual.

Malas are the physical units (suitcases). Bagagem is the concept of all your things together. You check in your 'bagagem' which consists of two 'malas'.

A minha bagagem tem duas malas.

Malas vs Mochila

Type of bag.

A 'mochila' is a backpack carried on the shoulders. A 'mala' is a suitcase usually carried by hand or wheeled.

Eu levo uma mochila e duas malas.

Malas vs Pasta

Professional context.

A 'pasta' is a briefcase or folder for documents. A 'mala' is for clothes and travel.

O advogado leva a pasta, o turista leva a mala.

Malas vs Maleta

Size difference.

A 'maleta' is a small suitcase. 'Malas' usually implies standard or large size travel gear.

Ela leva uma maleta de maquiagem.

Structures de phrases

Eu tenho [number] malas.

Eu tenho duas malas.

Eu vou fazer as malas para [destination].

Eu vou fazer as malas para o Brasil.

É difícil carregar as malas porque [reason].

É difícil carregar as malas porque estão muito pesadas.

A companhia aérea perdeu as malas que [relative clause].

A companhia aérea perdeu as malas que eu despachei ontem.

Apesar de ter feito as malas, ele [unexpected action].

Apesar de ter feito as malas, ele decidiu não viajar.

O peso das malas é proporcional à [abstract concept].

O peso das malas é proporcional à duração da nossa ansiedade.

Onde estão as minhas malas?

Onde estão as minhas malas pretas?

As malas estão no [location].

As malas estão no quarto do hotel.

Famille de mots

Noms

Mala

Maleta

Malão

Maleteiro

Porta-malas

Verbes

Enmalar (rarely used, to put in a trunk)

Fazer (as malas)

Desfazer (as malas)

Adjectifs

Enmalado (packed in a trunk)

Mala (as a slang adjective for annoying)

Apparenté

Bagagem

Viagem

Passageiro

Alfândega

Aeroporto

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and travel contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Os malas → As malas
'Mala' is a feminine noun, so the article must be 'as'.
Empacotar as malas → Fazer as malas
'Empacotar' is for boxes; 'fazer' is the standard verb for packing travel bags.
Minha mala de costas → Minha mochila
While 'mala de costas' might be understood, 'mochila' is the proper word for backpack.
O porta-mala → O porta-malas
In Brazil, the compound noun for car trunk usually stays in the plural form.
Desempacotar as malas → Desfazer as malas
The opposite of 'fazer as malas' is 'desfazer as malas'.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'malas' with feminine adjectives. 'Malas pesadas', not 'malas pesados'.

Airport Terms

Learn 'mala de mão' (carry-on) and 'mala de porão' (checked) for smooth travel.

Annoying People

Use 'mala' to describe someone boring, but only in informal Brazilian settings.

Brazil vs Portugal

In Brazil, use 'porta-malas' for car trunk. In Portugal, use 'bagageira'.

Packing

Remember the verb 'fazer' (to do/make) for packing: 'fazer as malas'.

Final 'S'

In Lisbon, the final 's' in 'malas' sounds like 'sh'. In São Paulo, it sounds like 's'.

Double 'L'?

Portuguese never uses double 'l'. It is 'mala', not 'malla' (which is Spanish).

Handbags

If you are in Portugal, 'mala' is fine for a woman's purse. In Brazil, use 'bolsa'.

Mnemonic

Malas = Mail. You mail your heavy bags home.

Buying Luggage

Look for 'loja de malas' or 'artigos de viagem' to buy suitcases.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'MA-LAS'. If you have too many 'MALAS', you might 'MAIL' them home because they are too heavy.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant, heavy suitcase with legs and a face that is being very annoying (to remember the slang 'mala').

Word Web

Viagem Avião Hotel Roupa Peso Porta-malas Bagageira Mala de mão

Défi

Try to describe five things you would put in your 'malas' for a trip to Brazil using only Portuguese adjectives.

Origine du mot

The word 'mala' comes from the Old French 'malle', which in turn comes from the Frankish '*malha' meaning a leather bag or pouch.

Sens originel : A leather bag used for carrying items, often on horseback.

Romance (via Germanic roots).

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'mala' as slang; it can be offensive if said directly to someone you don't know well.

English speakers often say 'bags' or 'luggage'. In Portuguese, 'malas' is more specific to suitcases than just any bag.

A Mala de Cartão (Famous book and TV series by Linda de Suza) The 'mala' character in Brazilian soap operas (novelas) Portuguese leather luxury brands like Pelcor or Cavalinho.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Airport Check-in

Quantas malas vai despachar?
Esta mala é de mão.
A minha mala está acima do peso.
Onde é a recolha de malas?

Hotel Arrival

Pode guardar as minhas malas?
Onde está o carrinho de malas?
Subam as malas para o quarto 202.
Esqueci uma mala no táxi.

Car Rental / Travel

As malas cabem no porta-malas?
Precisamos de um carro com mala grande.
Ponha as malas lá atrás.
Cuidado para não riscar as malas.

Social Situations (Slang)

Não seja mala!
Ele é um mala sem alça.
Que cara mala!
Para de ser mala e vem logo.

Packing at Home

Já fizeste as tuas malas?
Não cabe mais nada na mala.
Ajuda-me a fechar a mala.
Onde guardaste as malas vazias?

Amorces de conversation

"Quantas malas costumas levar quando viajas de férias?"

"Já alguma vez perdeste as tuas malas num aeroporto?"

"Preferes viajar apenas com mala de mão ou preferes despachar bagagem?"

"O que é que nunca falta nas tuas malas de viagem?"

"Conheces alguém que seja um verdadeiro 'mala'?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve o que levarias na tua mala se tivesses de te mudar para outro país amanhã.

Escreve sobre uma vez em que tiveste um problema com as tuas malas durante uma viagem.

Faz uma lista de itens essenciais para uma mala de mão perfeita.

Reflete sobre o significado metafórico de 'carregar malas' do passado.

Imagina que encontras uma mala misteriosa na rua. O que há dentro dela?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always say 'as malas' or 'minhas malas'. Even if you use it as slang for a man, the word remains feminine: 'Ele é uma mala'.

The correct expression is 'fazer as malas'. Example: 'Preciso fazer as malas para amanhã'.

Generally, 'mala' is a suitcase for travel, and 'bolsa' is a purse or handbag. However, in Portugal, 'mala' is frequently used for handbags too.

It is an idiom for an extremely annoying person. It literally means 'a suitcase without a handle', which is very difficult to carry around.

In Brazil, it is 'porta-malas'. In Portugal, it is 'bagageira'.

No. 'Mail' is 'correio'. However, 'mala direta' is the term for direct mail marketing.

It is 'carry-on luggage' that you take with you inside the airplane cabin.

No, the word for backpack is 'mochila'. Using 'malas' for a backpack would be confusing.

You can ask: 'Onde fica a recolha de bagagem?' or 'Onde posso pegar as minhas malas?'

Mainly it refers to an annoying person. In some regions, it can also refer to genitals in a very vulgar context, so be careful with usage.

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