Verb (transitive)
/emˈba.laɾ/
The verb "embalar" refers to the action of packing items or wrapping them for storage or transportation. It is commonly used in contexts such as moving to a new home, organizing goods for shipping, or preparing items for travel. The frequency of use in Spanish is relatively high, particularly in spoken contexts related to logistics, shipping, or moving.
Estamos a punto de embalar todas nuestras cosas para mudarnos.
We are about to pack all our things to move.
El envío llegó y necesitamos embalar los productos cuidadosamente.
The shipment arrived, and we need to pack the products carefully.
Ella decidió embalar los regalos en papel de colores.
She decided to wrap the gifts in colorful paper.
The word "embalar" is not typically found in fixed idiomatic expressions, but it can be part of phrases that convey the idea of preparation or organization. Here are some constructions around "embalar" that are commonly used in conversation:
Example: Siempre me gusta embalar para un viaje con anticipación.
I always like to pack for a trip in advance.
"Embalar como un profesional"
To pack like a professional.
Example: Si quieres que tus cosas lleguen en buen estado, debes embalar como un profesional.
If you want your things to arrive in good condition, you should pack like a professional.
"Embalar a la carrera"
To pack in a rush.
Example: Tuve que embalar a la carrera porque el coche estaba por salir.
I had to pack in a rush because the car was about to leave.
"Embalar lo esencial"
To pack the essentials.
The word "embalar" comes from the prefix "em-", which is a variant of the prefix "en-" (meaning to put into or to cover) combined with the noun "bala," which derives from Latin "balla" meaning a ball, suggesting a rounded form of packaging or wrapping.