Managing baggage weight before a flight | Learn Spanish in English

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Use Managing baggage weight before a flight to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Mi maleta se siente pesada y el límite de equipaje es muy estricto.

mee mah-LEH-tah seh SYEHN-teh peh-SAH-dah ee ehl LEE-mee-teh deh eh-kee-PAH-heh ehs moo-ee ehs-TREEK-toh My suitcase feels heavy, and the baggage allowance is really strict.

Pésala antes de salir para que puedas volver a hacer la maleta ahora si hace falta.

PEH-sah-lah AHN-tehs deh sah-LEER PAH-rah keh PWEH-dahs bohl-BEHR ah ah-SEHR lah mah-LEH-tah ah-OH-rah see AH-seh FAHL-tah Weigh it before we leave so you can repack it now if needed.

Está por encima del límite, así que tengo que sacar algo.

ehs-TAH pohr ehn-SEE-mah dehl LEE-mee-teh ah-SEE keh TEHN-goh keh sah-KAHR AHL-goh It's over the limit, so I need to take something out.

Pasa los artículos pesados a tu mochila si el límite de peso de la mochila lo permite.

PAH-sah lohs ahr-TEE-koo-lohs peh-SAH-dohs ah too moh-CHEE-lah see ehl LEE-mee-teh deh PEH-soh deh lah moh-CHEE-lah loh pehr-MEE-teh Move heavy items to your backpack if its weight allowance permits.

Los libros probablemente son el problema principal.

lohs LEE-brohs proh-bah-BLEH-mehn-teh sohn ehl proh-BLEH-mah preen-see-PAHL The books are probably the main problem.

Lleva solo el que necesitas para el vuelo.

YEH-bah SOH-loh ehl keh neh-seh-SEE-tahs PAH-rah ehl BWEH-loh Bring only the one you need for the flight.

Deja el resto en casa.

DEH-hah ehl REHS-toh ehn KAH-sah Leave the rest at home.

Puedo ponerme la chaqueta en lugar de meterla en la maleta.

PWEH-doh poh-NEHR-meh lah chah-KEH-tah ehn loo-GAHR deh meh-TEHR-lah ehn lah mah-LEH-tah I can wear the jacket instead of packing it.

Eso debería ayudar sin que tengas que volver a hacer toda la maleta.

EH-soh deh-beh-REE-ah ah-yoo-DAHR seen keh TEHN-gahs keh bohl-BEHR ah ah-SEHR TOH-dah lah mah-LEH-tah That should help without making you repack everything.

Ahora está por debajo del límite.

ah-OH-rah ehs-TAH pohr deh-BAH-hoh dehl LEE-mee-teh Now it's under the limit.

Entonces podemos irnos sin abrir la maleta en el mostrador.

ehn-TOHN-sehs poh-DEH-mohs EER-nohs seen ah-BREER lah mah-LEH-tah ehn ehl moh-strah-DOHR Then we can leave without opening the suitcase at the counter.

Word by Word

Mi Here, “Mi” means “my” and identifies “maleta” as belonging to the speaker. It is placed before a singular noun, as in “Mi maleta”. Use it when identifying your own item to another person.

maleta Here, “maleta” means “suitcase”, the piece of luggage being weighed and repacked. It appears after “Mi” in “Mi maleta”. Use it when discussing a suitcase while packing, checking in, or traveling.

se In “se siente pesada”, “se” is part of the expression describing how the suitcase feels. It works with “siente” rather than independently naming an object. This pattern is useful when describing how something feels to someone.

siente Here, “siente” means “feels” in “Mi maleta se siente pesada”. Together with “se”, it describes the suitcase’s apparent weight. Use this form when describing how an object feels, especially with an adjective such as “pesada”.

pesada Here, “pesada” means “heavy” and describes “maleta”. Its form agrees with the feminine noun “maleta”. Use it after a form of “sentirse” to describe something that feels heavy.

y Here, “y” means “and” and connects the statement about the suitcase with the statement about the baggage limit. It joins two related pieces of information in the same sentence. Use it to add another fact or action.

el Here, “el” means “the” and introduces “límite”. It is used before this singular masculine noun in “el límite de equipaje”. Use it before a specific masculine noun that is already understood in the situation.

límite Here, “límite” means “limit”, specifically the allowed baggage amount. It is followed by “de equipaje” to specify what kind of limit it is. Use it when discussing a maximum allowed amount or boundary.

de Here, “de” connects “límite” with “equipaje” and shows what the limit concerns. The dialogue uses it in “límite de equipaje”. Use “de” to link a general noun with the thing it describes or relates to.

equipaje Here, “equipaje” means “baggage” or “luggage”. In “límite de equipaje”, it specifies that the limit applies to luggage. Use it when talking about the bags and items taken on a trip.

es Here, “es” means “is” and links “el límite de equipaje” with the description “muy estricto”. It identifies the nature of the baggage limit. Use it to describe a specific thing with an adjective.

muy Here, “muy” means “very” and strengthens the adjective “estricto”. It appears directly before the adjective in “muy estricto”. Use it to make an adjective’s description stronger.

estricto Here, “estricto” means “strict” and describes the baggage limit as allowing little flexibility. It follows “muy” in “muy estricto”. Use it for a rule, limit, or requirement that is applied firmly.

Pésala Here, “Pésala” means “weigh it”, referring to the suitcase. The form combines the command to weigh with “la”, which refers to the feminine suitcase. Use it when telling someone to weigh a specific item before leaving or checking in.

antes Here, “antes” means “before” and introduces the action that should happen before leaving. It appears in “antes de salir”. Use it before “de” and an infinitive to place one action earlier than another.

salir Here, “salir” means “to leave” in “antes de salir”. It is the action that has not yet happened when the suitcase is weighed. Use this infinitive after “antes de” when referring to leaving.

para Here, “para” introduces the intended result in “para que puedas volver a hacer la maleta”. It means “so that” in this context, not simply “for”. Use it with “que” to explain the purpose of an action for another person.

que Here, “que” completes the purpose expression “para que” and introduces what the other person should be able to do. It links the weighing action to its intended result. Use it after “para” when introducing this kind of purpose clause.

puedas Here, “puedas” means “you can” within “para que puedas volver a hacer la maleta”. It expresses the ability or opportunity the weighing is meant to provide. Use it after “para que” when referring to what the other person can do as a result.

volver Here, “volver” contributes the meaning “again” in “volver a hacer la maleta”. It is followed by “a” and an infinitive to show repetition. Use this pattern when an action needs to be done again.

a Here, “a” is part of the repetition pattern “volver a hacer”. It connects “volver” with the action that will be repeated. Use it between “volver” and an infinitive when expressing doing something again.

hacer Here, “hacer” means “to do” or “to make” within “hacer la maleta”, the established expression for packing a suitcase. It follows “volver a” because the packing may need to be done again. Use it with “la maleta” when referring to packing.

la Here, “la” means “the” and introduces “maleta” in “hacer la maleta”. It identifies the specific suitcase being packed again. Use it before this feminine singular noun when referring to a particular suitcase.

ahora Here, “ahora” means “now” and indicates that the suitcase can be repacked at the present time. It appears before the condition “si hace falta”. Use it to emphasize that an action should happen immediately or at this moment.

si Here, “si” means “if” and introduces the condition “hace falta”. It says that repacking should happen only when it is necessary. Use it to introduce a condition for an action.

hace In “hace falta”, “hace” is part of the expression meaning that something is needed. It does not mean that someone physically makes something here. Use it together with “falta” to say that an action or thing is necessary.

falta In “hace falta”, “falta” contributes the idea of need or lack, so “si hace falta” means “if needed”. It is used with “hace” as a fixed expression. Use this expression when an action is necessary only in some circumstances.

Está Here, “Está” means “is” and describes the suitcase’s current position in relation to the limit. It appears in “Está por encima del límite”. Use this form when describing a current state or position.

por Here, “por” is part of the position expression “por encima del límite”, meaning above or over the limit. It relates the suitcase’s amount to a reference point. Use it with “encima” when describing something as above a level or limit.

encima Here, “encima” means “above” or “over” in “por encima del límite”. Together with “por”, it shows that the suitcase exceeds the allowed amount. Use it to describe a position or amount above a reference point.

del Here, “del” means “of the” and is the contracted form of “de” plus “el”. It appears in “por encima del límite” to connect the position expression with the specific limit. Use it before a masculine singular noun when this “de + el” connection is needed.

así Here, “así” means “so” or “therefore” and introduces the consequence of being over the limit. It appears in “así que tengo que sacar algo”. Use it with “que” to connect a situation with its result.

tengo Here, “tengo” contributes the meaning “I have to” in “tengo que sacar algo”. Together with “que” and the infinitive, it expresses the speaker’s obligation. Use this construction when explaining that you must do something.

sacar Here, “sacar” means “to take out” in “sacar algo”. It describes removing an item from the suitcase because the weight is too high. Use it with an object when saying that something must be removed.

algo Here, “algo” means “something” and refers to an unspecified item that needs to be removed. It follows “sacar” in “sacar algo”. Use it when the exact object is not identified or does not matter.

Pasa Here, “Pasa” means “move” or “transfer” and tells the listener to move items to another bag. It is used with “los artículos pesados” and “a tu mochila”. Use it when telling someone to transfer an object from one place to another.

los Here, “los” means “the” and introduces the plural noun “artículos”. It identifies the specific heavy items under discussion. Use it before a specific masculine plural noun.

artículos Here, “artículos” means “items” and refers to the objects inside the suitcase. It is described by “pesados” in “los artículos pesados”. Use it for individual things being carried, packed, or moved.

pesados Here, “pesados” means “heavy” and describes the plural items being moved. Its form agrees with “artículos”. Use it after or before a plural masculine noun to identify items that have considerable weight.

tu Here, “tu” means “your” and identifies the backpack as belonging to the person being addressed. It appears before “mochila” in “tu mochila”. Use it before a noun when referring to something owned or associated with the listener.

mochila Here, “mochila” means “backpack”, the second bag to which heavy items may be transferred. It follows “tu” in “tu mochila”. Use it when talking about carrying belongings in a backpack.

peso Here, “peso” means “weight” in “límite de peso de la mochila”. It identifies the measurement that the backpack’s allowance concerns. Use it after “límite de” when discussing a permitted weight.

lo Here, “lo” means “it” and refers to the possibility of the backpack’s weight allowance permitting the transfer. It appears before “permite” in “lo permite”. Use it as an object pronoun when referring to an already understood situation or amount.

permite Here, “permite” means “allows” or “permits” in “si el límite de peso de la mochila lo permite”. The subject is the backpack’s weight limit, which may allow the transfer. Use it when a rule, limit, or condition allows an action.

libros Here, “libros” means “books” and identifies the items that are probably causing most of the excess weight. It appears with the definite article in “Los libros”. Use it when referring to books as packed or carried objects.

son Here, “son” means “are” and links “Los libros” with “el problema principal”. It identifies the books as the main problem. Use it to describe a plural subject with a noun or description.

probablemente Here, “probablemente” means “probably” and shows that the speaker is making a likely judgment rather than stating complete certainty. It modifies the statement about the books. Use it when presenting a reasonable but unconfirmed explanation.

problema Here, “problema” means “problem” and refers to the likely cause of the suitcase being too heavy. It appears in “el problema principal”. Use it when naming a difficulty that needs to be solved.

principal Here, “principal” means “main” and identifies the most important problem. It follows “problema” in “el problema principal”. Use it to distinguish the central issue from other possible issues.

Lleva Here, “Lleva” means “bring” or “take” and tells the listener to carry only one book for the flight. It is followed by “solo el que necesitas”. Use it when instructing someone to carry an item to another place.

solo Here, “solo” means “only” and limits the number of books to the one that is needed. It appears before “el que necesitas”. Use it to restrict a choice or quantity.

necesitas Here, “necesitas” means “you need” and identifies which book should be taken. It appears in “el que necesitas”, where the needed item is selected from the books. Use it when explaining that someone requires a particular item.

vuelo Here, “vuelo” means “flight” in “para el vuelo”. It identifies the trip for which the selected book is needed. Use it when discussing an air journey or the items needed for it.

Deja Here, “Deja” means “leave” and tells the listener not to take the remaining books. It is followed by “el resto” and the location “en casa”. Use it when telling someone to leave an object in a particular place.

resto Here, “resto” means “the rest” or “remainder” and refers to all the books except the one needed for the flight. It appears in “el resto”. Use it when referring to what remains after a selection has been made.

en Here, “en” means “at” or “in” and places the remaining items in the home. It appears in “en casa”. Use it with a location to say where something is left or stays.

casa Here, “casa” means “home” or “house” and is the place where the remaining books should stay. The expression “en casa” means “at home”. Use it when referring to leaving or keeping something at home.

Puedo Here, “Puedo” means “I can” and expresses the speaker’s ability or option to wear the jacket. It is followed by the reflexive form “ponerme”. Use it before an infinitive when saying what you are able or permitted to do.

ponerme Here, “ponerme” means “put on” in the context of putting the jacket on oneself. The ending “me” shows that the speaker is the person who puts it on. Use this form with clothing when describing putting it on yourself.

chaqueta Here, “chaqueta” means “jacket”, the clothing item the speaker can wear instead of packing. It appears in “ponerme la chaqueta”. Use it when discussing a jacket as clothing for travel or everyday wear.

lugar Here, “lugar” means “place” within the expression “en lugar de”, which means “instead of”. It introduces the alternative to packing the jacket. Use “en lugar de” to compare one action or choice with another.

meterla Here, “meterla” means “put it in” or “pack it”, referring to putting the jacket into the suitcase. The ending “la” refers back to the feminine noun “chaqueta”. Use it when putting a previously mentioned feminine object inside something.

Eso Here, “Eso” means “that” and refers to the suggestion of wearing the jacket instead of packing it. It is the subject of “debería ayudar”. Use it to refer back to an idea, action, or situation just mentioned.

debería Here, “debería” means “should” and expresses an expected helpful result rather than a definite guarantee. It appears in “debería ayudar”. Use it when making a cautious prediction or suggestion about what is likely to happen.

ayudar Here, “ayudar” means “to help” and refers to reducing the packing problem. It follows “debería” in “debería ayudar”. Use it after a modal expression when describing an action or idea that may improve a situation.

sin Here, “sin” means “without” and introduces something that will not be necessary. It appears in “sin que tengas que volver a hacer toda la maleta”. Use it to describe an action achieved without another action happening.

tengas Here, “tengas” contributes the meaning “you have to” in “sin que tengas que volver a hacer toda la maleta”. Together with “que” and the infinitive, it describes an action the listener will not need to perform. Use this construction when saying that someone does not have to do something.

toda Here, “toda” means “the whole” and emphasizes that the complete suitcase would otherwise need to be repacked. It modifies “la maleta” in “toda la maleta”. Use it before a feminine singular noun when referring to the entire thing.

debajo Here, “debajo” means “below” or “under” in “por debajo del límite”. Together with “por”, it shows that the suitcase’s weight is less than the allowed limit. Use it with “por” when describing an amount or position below a reference point.

Entonces Here, “Entonces” means “then” and introduces the consequence of being under the limit. It connects the successful weight adjustment with leaving for the flight. Use it to show what follows logically from a previous situation.

podemos Here, “podemos” means “we can” and expresses the speakers’ ability to leave without opening the suitcase. It is followed by “irnos”. Use it before an infinitive when describing what a group is able or permitted to do.

irnos Here, “irnos” means “leave” or “go away”, referring to departing from the counter or airport process. The ending “nos” includes the speakers as the people leaving. Use it when talking about leaving a place together.

abrir Here, “abrir” means “to open” and refers to opening the suitcase at the counter. It follows “sin” in “sin abrir la maleta”. Use it after “sin” with an infinitive to describe an action that does not happen.

mostrador Here, “mostrador” means “counter”, specifically the counter where the suitcase might be checked. It appears in “en el mostrador”. Use it when referring to a service or check-in counter in an airport or other public place.

Grammar Points

Imperativo afirmativo + pronombre átono

Pésala.

PEH-sah-lah

Weigh it.

In an affirmative command, the object pronoun attaches to the end of the verb: pesa + la → pésala.

en lugar de + infinitivo

En lugar de llevar la chaqueta, deja la maleta en casa.

ehn loo-GAHR deh yeh-BAHR lah chah-KEH-tah, DEH-hah lah mah-LEH-tah ehn KAH-sah

Instead of taking the jacket, leave the suitcase at home.

After en lugar de, Spanish uses the infinitive to express an alternative action.

Spanish Vocabulary

equipaje noun

eh-kee-PAH-heh baggage; luggage

estricto adj

ehs-TREEK-toh strict

hacer falta phrase

ah-SEHR FAHL-tah to be needed hace falta

límite noun

LEE-mee-teh limit

maleta noun

mah-LEH-tah suitcase

pasar verb

pah-SAHR to move; to transfer Pasa

pesado adj

peh-SAH-doh heavy pesada

pesar verb

peh-SAHR to weigh Pésala

por encima de prep

pohr ehn-SEE-mah deh over; above por encima del

sacar verb

sah-KAHR to take out; to remove

salir verb

sah-LEER to leave; to go out

volver a hacer la maleta phrase

bohl-BEHR ah ah-SEHR lah mah-LEH-tah to repack; to pack again

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Leave the rest at home.

Show Answer

Deja el resto en casa.

Now it's under the limit.

Show Answer

Ahora está por debajo del límite.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

limit

Show Answer

límite

heavy

Show Answer

pesada

suitcase

Show Answer

maleta

to weigh

Show Answer

Pésala