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Portuguese Phrase

Quando minhas malas chegam?

/ˈkwɐ̃.du ˈmi.nɐs ˈma.las ʃeˈɡɐ̃j̃/
Meaning"When do my suitcases arrive?"
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Meaning

A direct question asking for the time when one's suitcases will arrive. It is commonly used by travelers who are waiting for their luggage after a flight, train ride, or at a hotel reception.

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When to use

Use this phrase at airports, train stations, hotels, or any place where you are expecting your luggage. It works both in formal settings (e.g., speaking to airline staff) and informal conversations with fellow travelers.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Quandominhasmalaschegam?

1

Quando (interrogative adverb)

Used to ask about time; placed at the beginning of a question.

2

minhas (possessive adjective)

Agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (feminine plural).

3

malas (noun, feminine plural)

Means 'suitcases' or 'luggage'; the plural form requires matching adjectives and verbs.

4

chegam (verb, 3rd person plural present)

Present indicative of 'chegar' (to arrive); must agree with the plural subject 'malas'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Quando minhas malas chegam?

When do my suitcases arrive?

Ainda não chegaram, mas devem aparecer em cerca de 15 minutos.

They haven't arrived yet, but they should show up in about 15 minutes.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Quando minhas malas chega?

    The verb must agree with the plural subject 'malas', so use 'chegam' instead of singular 'chega'.

  • Quando minha malas chegam?

    Possessive adjective must match gender and number; use 'minhas' for feminine plural nouns.

  • Quando minhas malas chegam

    In written Portuguese, a question mark is required at the end of a direct question.

↔Alternatives

  • A que horas chegam minhas malas?

    At what time do my suitcases arrive?

  • Quando vão chegar minhas malas?

    When will my suitcases be arriving?

  • Minhas malas já chegaram?

    Have my suitcases already arrived?

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, it’s polite to add 'por favor' when asking staff for information: 'Por favor, quando minhas malas chegam?'. The word 'bagagem' is also widely used, especially in formal contexts, e.g., 'Quando minha bagagem chega?'. Keep in mind that airport staff may ask for your ticket or baggage claim tag to locate your luggage.