Spanish Phrase
Guárdalos en carteras y mochilas.
Meaning
This sentence tells someone to keep the items (the "los" refers to whatever masculine or mixed‑gender objects have been mentioned) inside purses and backpacks. It is a practical instruction often used when talking about protecting valuables or organizing belongings.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise someone on where to store items safely—e.g., during travel, at school, or when packing for a trip. It works well in informal conversation and in instructional contexts such as a teacher giving packing tips.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Guárdalosencarterasymochilas.
Affirmative Imperative with Direct Object Pronoun
In affirmative commands, the direct object pronoun is attached to the end of the verb, forming a single word (e.g., guárda + los → guárdalos).
Accent on the Imperative
The accent mark on "guárdalos" preserves the original stress of the verb "guardar" after the pronoun is added.
Prepositional Phrase "en + noun"
The preposition "en" indicates location; it is followed by the nouns "carteras" and "mochilas" linked by the conjunction "y".
Gender and Number Agreement
"Carteras" and "mochilas" are both feminine plural nouns, matching the plural direct object pronoun "los" (referring to masculine or mixed‑gender items).
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué hago con los documentos importantes?
What should I do with the important documents?
Guárdalos en carteras y mochilas.
Keep them in purses and backpacks.
✕Common Mistakes
Guarda los en carteras y mochilas.
In affirmative commands the pronoun must be attached to the verb; "guarda los" is incorrect.
Guárdalos en la carteras y mochilas.
The article must agree in number; "carteras" is plural, so use "en carteras" without an article.
Guárdalas en carteras y mochilas.
Use "guárdalos" when the objects are masculine or mixed gender; "guárdalas" would refer to feminine items.
↔Alternatives
Ponlos en bolsos y mochilas.
Put them in bags and backpacks.
Colócalos dentro de carteras y mochilas.
Place them inside purses and backpacks.
Almacénalos en carteras y mochilas.
Store them in purses and backpacks.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries "cartera" can refer to a wallet, a small handbag, or even a briefcase, depending on the region. "Mochila" is the standard word for a school or travel backpack. When giving storage advice, be aware that "cartera" may sound more personal (often used for women’s handbags) while "mochila" is gender‑neutral and commonly used for students and hikers.