Quiero reunir mis maletas en un solo compartimiento, pero no todas caben.

I want to gather my suitcases in a single compartment, but not all of them fit.

Breakdown of Quiero reunir mis maletas en un solo compartimiento, pero no todas caben.

• yo: I
• en: in
• querer: to want
• mis: my
• la maleta: the suitcase
• un: a
• pero: but
• no: not
• reunir: to gather
• el compartimiento: the compartment
• todas: all
• caber: to fit

Questions & Answers about Quiero reunir mis maletas en un solo compartimiento, pero no todas caben.

What does the verb 'caber' mean in this context?

'Caber' in Spanish means 'to fit'. When you say 'pero no todas caben', you’re expressing that not all the suitcases fit into the compartment.

Why say 'pero no todas caben' instead of something like 'pero no entran todas'?

In Spanish, both 'caber' and 'entrar' can convey the idea of something physically fitting in a space.
• 'Caber' focuses on the available space: if the suitcases can fit in the compartment.
• 'Entrar' puts emphasis on the act of going in.
Here, 'caber' is more direct about whether there is enough space.

Why is 'Quiero reunir mis maletas en un solo compartimiento' used instead of 'Quiero juntar mis maletas'?

• 'Reunir' has a nuance of bringing things together for a purpose, often a bit more formal.
• 'Juntar' is more casual and simply means 'to put together'.
In many contexts, 'reunir' and 'juntar' can be used interchangeably, but 'reunir' can sound slightly more purposeful or organized.

Why use 'mis maletas' instead of 'las maletas'?

Spanish often uses the possessive adjective ('mis') to clarify ownership. In English, you might say 'my suitcases' or just 'the suitcases'. In Spanish, using 'mis' is more natural here, clearly indicating that the suitcases belong to the speaker.

What does 'un solo compartimiento' mean, and could we say 'en el mismo compartimiento' instead?

• 'Un solo compartimiento' literally means 'one single compartment', emphasizing that everything goes into just one space.
• 'En el mismo compartimiento' could also be used, meaning 'in the same compartment', but it shifts the focus from 'only one compartment' to 'the same one that has already been mentioned or implied'.