Michael Turner
Pronunciation: /moˈtʃila/ – syllables: mo‑chi‑la; stress on the second syllable; the ch sounds like English “ch” in “check”.
Grammar: feminine noun: la mochila; plural las mochilas. Typical verb collocations: llevar la mochila, cargar la mochila, comprar una mochila. Adjective agreement example: una mochila grande, dos mochilas pequeñas.
Regional alternatives: morral appears in parts of Colombia and Venezuela for a similar item; mochilero refers to a person who travels with a mochila. For shoulder-style items consider bandolera or bolsa depending on construction and size.
Context-specific labels and suggestions: school: mochila escolar; daypack: mochila de día or mochila pequeña; hiking: mochila de senderismo / mochila de trekking (common capacities: daypacks 20–35 L, multi-day 40–70 L); laptop model: mochila para portátil or mochila para laptop; travel: mochila de viaje.
Practical advice: use mochila for neutral, widely understood references; specify type (school, hiking, laptop) when clarity is required; when writing for a specific country, confirm whether locals prefer morral or another regional term. When listing gear, include capacity in liters or external dimensions to avoid ambiguity.
Castilian examples: He comprado una mochila nueva para la universidad. – I bought a new mochila for university. / La mochila de senderismo tiene 45 L de capacidad. – The hiking mochila has a 45 L capacity.
Use “mochila” for rucksack in Castilian
‘Mochila’ is the standard noun: la mochila (pl. las mochilas); pronunciation: /moˈtʃila/; grammatical gender: feminine.
- Mochila escolar – 15–25 L, single or dual compartments, commonly used by students.
- Mochila de senderismo – for outdoor use; typical capacities: daypack 15–30 L, weekend 30–50 L, multi-day 50–70 L; look for padded hip belt, ventilated back, load lifters.
- Mochila técnica – low-volume specialist packs (20–35 L) with attachment points for climbing or cycling gear.
- Morral – regional term in parts of Latin America for a soft shoulder bag or small satchel.
- Mochilero (person) – traveller using a mochila for long-distance, low-budget trips; phrase: “hacer mochilero” indicates that travel style.
Pronunciation guidance: stress on the second syllable (mo-CHI-la). Use the feminine article: la mochila; plural: las mochilas.
- Capacity selection: match liters to trip length (day: 15–25 L; 1–3 nights: 30–50 L; extended trips with camping gear: 50–70 L).
- Load management: when carried load rises above ~10–12 kg, select a model with a padded hip belt – hip transfer typically handles about 60–80% of the weight.
- Water protection: prefer roll-top closures, welded seams or coated fabrics (PVC, TPU); alternative: use a rain cover labelled “cubierta para mochila” or pair with best weather proof standing umbrella.
- Travel documentation: on bus or airline forms, ‘mochila’ is widely recognized as the baggage term.
Exact single-word translations: “mochila”, “morral”, “morralito” – when each applies
Recommendation: choose mochila for the neutral, general term referring to a two-strap rucksack used for school, travel or hiking; choose morral for single-strap or satchel-style bags and rural/folk uses; choose morralito for a small or diminutive pouch.
mochila – neutral, general-purpose rucksack
Use mochila when referring to a standard two-strap pack (school rucksack, daypack, hiking pack). Register: neutral and widely understood across Spain and most Latin American varieties. Typical collocations: mochila escolar (school rucksack), mochila de senderismo (hiking pack), mochila técnica (technical rucksack). Size range: small to large; materials: nylon, canvas, leather. Best choice for translation when no regional or stylistic nuance is required.
morral – satchel/sling, regional or rustic nuance
Use morral for single-strap bags, messenger-style satchels, or traditionally crafted sacks (leather or woven). Register: often regional, colloquial, or rural; common in contexts referring to campesino gear, gaucho or outdoor work bags, and informal market bags. Typical collocations: morral de cuero (leather satchel), colgar el morral (to sling the satchel). Choose morral when the object is worn across the body or when conveying traditional/folk connotations rather than a modern two-strap pack.
morralito – the diminutive: small pouch or affectionate form
Use morralito when indicating a small bag, coin pouch, or an affectionate/shrunken version of a morral. Register: informal; often used in spoken language, song lyrics, or family contexts. Examples: morralito para monedas (small coin pouch), llevar un morralito al hombro (to carry a little satchel). Prefer morralito only when small size or diminutive tone matters.
Recommendation: default to “mochila” for general contexts; use “morral” in the specific countries and rural/traditional senses listed below
For neutral, widely understood usage across Iberia and Latin America, prefer the term “mochila”. Reserve “morral” when referring to older-style satchels, rural/military kits, or when addressing speakers from regions where that word is common (see table).
Country-by-country snapshot
| Country / Region | Preferred term(s) | Typical usage notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | mochila | Standard for school, hiking and daily rucksacks; “morral” rare and literary/archaic. |
| Mexico | mochila; morral (regional) | “Mochila” dominates for school and travel packs. “Morral” appears in rural, market or traditional contexts and for small shoulder sacks. |
| Colombia | mochila; morral; carriel (Antioquia) | Both terms occur: “mochila” for modern rucksacks; “morral” in some Andean/coastal zones and rural speech. “Carriel” names a regional leather satchel. |
| Venezuela | mochila; morral | “Mochila” is common for school and travel use; “morral” appears for simple shoulder bags or traditional sacks. |
| Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) | mochila; morral (local) | “Mochila” widely used; “morral” survives in rural areas and in casual speech as a small sack or market bag. |
| Andean (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) | mochila; (regional indigenous terms) | “Mochila” covers urban and tourist contexts; indigenous languages contribute local terms for woven bags in highland communities. |
| Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay) | mochila | Standard word for school and travel packs; “morral” uncommon except in historical or niche uses. |
| Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) | mochila | Use “mochila” for daily and school usage; other local terms may emerge in colloquial speech but are not dominant. |
Regional alternates and register guidance
Common alternates: “morralito” (diminutive; small sacchett), “carriel” (traditional leather bag, Antioquia, Colombia), “alforja” (saddlebags, rural), “bandolera” (crossbody/shoulder bag), “bolso”/”bolsito” (general bag or purse), “cartera”/”maletín” (small briefcase). Use “morral”/”morralito” when referring to informal, rustic or messenger-style bags; use the alternates above for specific styles or formal registers. When audience origin is unknown, “mochila” is safest and most widely accepted.
Choosing the right term for context: school bags, hiking packs, laptop packs, and travel rucksacks
Use function-specific labels: “mochila escolar” for students, “mochila de senderismo” or “mochila de trekking” for trail use, “mochila para portátil” (or “mochila portaordenador”) for device transport, and “mochila de viaje” for larger touring rucksacks.
Follow these specification targets: school/computer commuters 15–25 L with organized pockets and a padded 13–15″ sleeve; day-hike models 20–35 L, frameless or light frames with a hip belt and 30–40 mm shoulder straps; multi-day hiking 40–60 L with internal frame, load lifters and removable covers; travel rucksacks 50–75 L with lockable zippers and compression straps. List capacity in liters and include laptop-inch compatibility, weight (kg), and water-resistance rating or included rain cover.
Phrase construction for product copy: place descriptive adjectives after the noun for natural register (“mochila ligera”, “mochila impermeable”), and use hyphenated English descriptors only for cross-market listings (“mochila 15-inch sleeve”). For informal contexts or quick speech, diminutives work (“morralito”) but keep technical specs in neutral register for clarity.
For transport and packing accessories check mounting points and tie-downs when carrying on vehicles – see best luggage rack for harley touring. For food storage inside travel packs evaluate reusable bags’ temperature performance – see are stasher bags freezer safe.
Ask for a mochila at a shop or market: short phrases + pronunciation tips
Use a brief availability question: “¿Tienen mochilas?” (TEE-EHN moh-CHEE-LAHS) – “Any mochilas available?”
Formal singular: “¿Tiene una mochila?” (TEE-EH-neh OO-nah moh-CHEE-lah) – “One mochila available?” Informal tú: “¿Tienes mochilas?” (tee-EHN-es moh-CHEE-lahs). Voseo (informal singular, common in some areas): “¿Tenés mochilas?” (teh-NEHS moh-CHEE-lahs).
Short purpose phrases for immediate needs: “Quisiera una mochila para la escuela” (kee-SYEH-rah OO-nah moh-CHEE-lah PAH-rah lah eh-SKWEH-lah) – “For school”; “Necesito una mochila para portátil” (neh-seh-SEE-toh OO-nah moh-CHEE-lah PAH-rah por-tah-TEEL) – “For laptop”; “Busco una mochila para senderismo” (BOOS-koh OO-nah moh-CHEE-lah PAH-rah sen-deh-REEZ-moh) – “For hiking/trekking.”
Feature-check phrases: “¿Tiene compartimentos para ordenador/portátil?” (TEE-eh-neh kom-par-tah-MEN-tos PAH-rah or-deh-nah-DOR / por-tah-TEEL) – “Compartments for laptop?” “¿Es impermeable?” (ehs im-per-meh-AH-bleh) – “Water-resistant?” “¿Cuánta capacidad tiene (en litros)?” (KWAHN-tah kah-pah-see-DAHD TEE-eh-neh en LEE-tros) – “Capacity in liters?”
Price and bargaining: “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah) – “Price?” “¿Me hace un descuento?” (meh AH-seh oon dehs-KWEN-toh) – “Discount possible?” Polite reduction request: “¿Puede bajar el precio?” (PWEH-deh bah-HAHR el PREH-syoh) – “Can price be lowered?”
Payment and wrapping: “¿Aceptan tarjeta?” (ah-SEHP-tahn tar-HEH-tah) – “Card accepted?” “¿Me lo puede envolver, por favor?” (meh lo PWEH-deh en-vohl-VER por fah-VOR) – “Can this be wrapped?”
Quick on-the-spot checks: point to an item and say “¿Puedo ver esta?” (PWEH-doh vehr EHS-tah) – “May this be seen?” Tap pockets and ask “¿Tiene bolsillo interno?” (TEE-eh-neh boh-see-YOH een-TER-noh) – “Internal pocket?”
Pronunciation tips: stress the syllable shown in capitals in respellings (moh-CHEE-lah, KWAHN-toh). Vowels stay pure: a = ah, e = eh, i = ee, o = oh, u = oo. Single r is a light tap (pero = PEH-roh); initial r or rr is trilled (río, perro). Ll and y often sound like a soft y (mayo = MAH-yoh), but regional shifts exist; simple y-sound will be understood. Raise pitch slightly at the end for yes/no questions; lower pitch for statements.
Practical tactic: speak slowly, point to desired features or images, show the intended use (school, laptop, travel) with a short phrase above, and repeat the seller’s words aloud to confirm understanding.
Spotting packs online or on labels: common Español keywords and product descriptions
Search listings that include clear keywords plus technical details: title should contain terms like “mochila” or “morral” combined with function, capacity or laptop size.
- Function keywords
- “senderismo” / “trekking” – hiking-specific models with frames, straps and hydration compatibility.
- “urbana” / “métro” – city use, slim profile, laptop sleeve and stealth pockets.
- “escolar” – reinforced bottom, bright prints, often 15–25 L.
- “viaje” / “travel” – larger capacity, compression straps, cabin-friendly notes like “apto cabina”.
- “de montaña” / “montañismo” – heavy-duty fabrics, crampon attachment points, load-bearing hip belt.
- “antirrobo” – hidden zippers, RFID pockets, locking zippers described as “cierre oculto” or “bolsillo secreto”.
- Capacity and size indicators
- “20 L”, “30 L”, “40 L”, “65 L” – liters stated as capacity; pair number with intended use (20–30 L daypack, 40–65 L travel/hike).
- “Portátil 15.6””, “funda para laptop 13”” – explicit laptop compartment size; prefer listings with exact inch value.
- “Medidas: 45 x 30 x 20 cm” – physical dimensions for airline or school locker fit.
- Material and durability tags
- “poliéster 600D”, “nylon 210D”, “Cordura” – denier and material type; higher D = heavier-duty fabric.
- “ripstop”, “PU coating”, “PVC”, “hidrófugo” – tear-resistant weaves and water repellency treatments; “impermeable” implies full waterproofing.
- “costuras reforzadas”, “base reforzada”, “doble costura” – reinforcement points listed on labels.
- Hardware and closures
- “cremallera YKK” – branded zipper indicates higher quality.
- “hebilla ajustable”, “cierre magnético”, “roll-top”, “cierre con cordón” – closure types and security level.
- “anilla para casco”, “soporte de bastón” – external attachment points for outdoor gear.
- Comfort and fit features
- “acolchado en espalda”, “espalda ventilada” – padded back and airflow design; important for long wear.
- “cinturón lumbar”, “cinturón de pecho” – load distribution components for heavy loads.
- “correas ajustables”, “tirantes ergonómicos” – adjustability and ergonomics terms.
- Convenience and extras
- “bolsillo RFID”, “puerto USB” – tech conveniences; verify presence vs. mere graphic in photos.
- “bolsillo para botella”, “bolsillos externos” – external storage layout.
- “compatible trolley” / “pasa maleta” – sleeve to attach to rolling luggage.
- Label shorthand and search phrases to use
- Search exact phrases: “mochila senderismo 30L”, “mochila portátil 15.6”, “mochila antirrobo impermeable”.
- Combine material + denier: “nylon 210D mochila” to filter lightweight technical items.
- Add airline or function tags: “apto cabina 40L” or “escolar 20L”.
- Red flags on listings and labels
- Vague size statements without liters or dimensions; absence of laptop-inch spec when a laptop sleeve is claimed.
- No fabric denier or generic “waterproof” claim without coating type or seam sealing (“costuras selladas”).
- Photos that lack close-ups of zippers, straps or internal compartments despite descriptive claims.
- Quick label-check checklist
- Capacity in L or exact dimensions.
- Material + denier and any coatings.
- Laptop compartment size in inches.
- Closure type and zipper brand.
- Comfort features: lumbar belt, ventilated back, strap padding.
- Special tags: “antirrobo”, “impermeable”, “compatible trolley”.
Prioritize listings that list at least four of the checklist items and include close-up photos of hardware and interior compartments.
FAQ:
What is the correct Spanish word for “backpack” and how is it pronounced?
The standard Spanish word is mochila (feminine). Pronunciation: mo-CHEE-lah [moˈtʃila]. You can use it for school bags, everyday packs and many travel packs. Example sentences: “Tengo una mochila nueva” (I have a new backpack) or “Guarda los libros en la mochila” (Put the books in the backpack).
Are there regional alternatives to mochila in Spanish-speaking countries?
Yes. While mochila is widely understood across Spain and Latin America, some areas use other terms. Morral appears in parts of Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico and often refers to a simple shoulder or satchel-style bag. In some Andean regions you may hear words from local indigenous languages for traditional packs. For hiking or travel contexts people sometimes add a descriptor: mochila de senderismo (hiking backpack), mochila de viaje (travel backpack) or mochila escolar (school backpack).
How can I say “My backpack is lost” or ask for backpacks in a store in Spanish?
For reporting a lost item, common phrases are: “He perdido mi mochila” or the shorter “Perdí mi mochila.” To ask in a shop: “¿Tienen mochilas?” or “Estoy buscando una mochila para la escuela/para viajar.” To be more specific, add size or purpose: “¿Tienen mochilas pequeñas?” or “Busco una mochila de senderismo con buen soporte.” If you need help: “¿Puede ayudarme? He perdido mi mochila” or “¿Alguien ha encontrado una mochila?” These forms work in formal and informal situations; use “puede” for polite requests and “puedes” with friends.
