Meaning
To remove clothes and items from luggage after a trip.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'deshacer la maleta' is the standard term. It is often associated with the 'vuelta a la rutina' (return to routine) after summer holidays in August. Mexicans almost exclusively use 'desempacar'. Using 'deshacer la maleta' might sound slightly formal or like someone from Spain. In Argentina, you might hear 'deshacer la valija'. 'Valija' is the preferred word for suitcase over 'maleta'. Similar to Mexico, 'desempacar' is very common, but 'deshacer el equipaje' is used in formal travel contexts (like airports or hotels).
Conjugation Trick
If you can conjugate 'hacer', you can conjugate 'deshacer'. Just add 'des-' to the front!
The 'Se' Trap
Don't say 'deshacerse'. That means to get rid of something permanently.
Meaning
To remove clothes and items from luggage after a trip.
Conjugation Trick
If you can conjugate 'hacer', you can conjugate 'deshacer'. Just add 'des-' to the front!
The 'Se' Trap
Don't say 'deshacerse'. That means to get rid of something permanently.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'deshacer' in the present tense.
Yo siempre ________ la maleta nada más llegar al hotel.
The first person singular of 'deshacer' is 'deshago' (irregular).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I unpacked yesterday'?
Ayer...
'Deshice' is the first person singular in the preterite (past) tense.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four main actions related to luggage.
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
Juan: ¿Ya has terminado? María: No, todavía me falta ________ la maleta.
In the context of finishing after a trip, 'deshacer' is the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Travel Verbs
Before Trip
- • Hacer la maleta
- • Reservar
After Trip
- • Deshacer la maleta
- • Descansar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre ________ la maleta nada más llegar al hotel.
The first person singular of 'deshacer' is 'deshago' (irregular).
Ayer...
'Deshice' is the first person singular in the preterite (past) tense.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four main actions related to luggage.
Juan: ¿Ya has terminado? María: No, todavía me falta ________ la maleta.
In the context of finishing after a trip, 'deshacer' is the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is understood, but 'desempacar' is much more common in daily speech.
You say 'Tengo que deshacer la maleta'.
It is irregular: deshice (I), deshiciste (you), deshizo (he/she).
Related Phrases
hacer la maleta
contrastTo pack your bags.
equipaje de mano
similarCarry-on luggage.
facturar la maleta
builds onTo check in a suitcase at the airport.
desempacar
synonymTo unpack.
