Spanish for Bus Travel: Asking If Your Bag Blocks the Aisle
Learn to ask ¿Estorba mi bolsa en el pasillo? and respond politely when asked to move your backpack on a crowded bus.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
On a crowded bus, your backpack can easily block the aisle. You need to check if it is in the way and respond politely when someone asks you to move it. This lesson teaches you the exact Spanish phrases to ask if your bag is blocking the aisle, apologize, and rearrange your luggage. You will practice a short dialogue and learn common mistakes to avoid. The focus is on casual polite Spanish, useful in most Latin American countries.
By the end, you can…
- ask if my bag is blocking the aisle using ¿Estorba mi bolsa en el pasillo?
- apologize and say I will move my bag when someone asks me to.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
¿Estorba mi bolsa en el pasillo?
Is my bag in the way in the aisle?
es-TOHR-bah mee BOHL-sah en el pah-SEE-yoh
Use this to ask a person nearby if your bag is blocking the aisle. 'Estorbar' means to be in the way.
¿Estorba mi mochila?
Is my backpack in the way?
es-TOHR-bah mee moh-CHEE-lah
Replace 'bolsa' with 'mochila' if you have a backpack. This is common on buses.
Perdón, la muevo.
Sorry, I'll move it.
pehr-DOHN, lah MWEH-voh
Say this when someone asks you to move your bag. 'La' refers to the bag (feminine).
Disculpe, ¿puedo poner mi bolsa aquí?
Excuse me, can I put my bag here?
dees-KOOL-peh, PWEH-doh poh-NEHR mee BOHL-sah ah-KEE
Use this to ask permission to place your bag in a specific spot, like under the seat.
¿La pongo abajo?
Should I put it down below?
lah POHN-goh ah-BAH-hoh
Ask if you should put your bag on the floor or under the seat. 'Abajo' means below.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask if something is in the way, use '¿Estorba + [object] + [place]?' For example: ¿Estorba mi bolsa en el pasillo? (Is my bag in the way in the aisle?) or ¿Estorba mi mochila aquí? (Is my backpack in the way here?). The verb 'estorbar' is regular: estorbo, estorbas, estorba. You can also use '¿Estorba?' alone if the object is clear from context. To respond, say 'Sí, un poco' (Yes, a little) or 'No, para nada' (No, not at all).
When to use it
Use these phrases when you are on a crowded bus, train, or other public transport and your bag might be blocking the aisle or someone's path. Ask '¿Estorba mi bolsa?' before someone has to ask you to move it. If someone says 'Tu bolsa estorba' (Your bag is in the way), respond with 'Perdón, la muevo' (Sorry, I'll move it) or 'Disculpe, la pongo abajo' (Excuse me, I'll put it down). In casual polite Spanish, 'perdón' and 'disculpe' are both fine; 'disculpe' is slightly more formal.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
¿Estorba mi bolsa en el pasillo?
Is my bag in the way in the aisle?es-TOHR-bah mee BOHL-sah en el pah-SEE-yohSí, un poco. ¿Puedes moverla?
Yes, a little. Can you move it?see, oon POH-koh. PWEH-dehs moh-VEHR-lahPerdón, la muevo. ¿La pongo abajo?
Sorry, I'll move it. Should I put it down below?pehr-DOHN, lah MWEH-voh. lah POHN-goh ah-BAH-hohSí, gracias. Así no estorba.
Yes, thanks. That way it's not in the way.see, GRAH-see-ahs. ah-SEE noh es-TOHR-bahA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American countries, buses can be very crowded, and it is normal to adjust your bags to make room. Politeness is shown by asking before moving or by apologizing quickly. 'Perdón' is common for small apologies, while 'disculpe' is a bit more formal and can be used to get someone's attention. In some regions, 'bolsa' refers to a shopping bag, while 'mochila' is a backpack. Use 'bolsa' for a handbag or plastic bag, and 'mochila' for a backpack.
One thing to watch for
Using '¿Estorbo mi bolsa?' instead of '¿Estorba mi bolsa?'
Try this instead: The verb must agree with the subject 'mi bolsa' (third person singular), so use 'estorba'. 'Estorbo' means 'I am in the way'. For example, say '¿Estorba mi bolsa en el pasillo?' not '¿Estorbo mi bolsa en el pasillo?'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask if your backpack is in the way?
Show a sample answer
¿Estorba mi mochila?
This uses the pattern '¿Estorba + object?' with 'mochila' (backpack). You can also say '¿Estorba mi mochila en el pasillo?' for more detail.
2Someone says 'Tu bolsa estorba.' What do you say to apologize and say you'll move it?
Show a sample answer
Perdón, la muevo.
This is a polite and natural response. You could also say 'Disculpe, la muevo' or 'Perdón, la pongo abajo' if you plan to put it on the floor.
3How do you ask if you should put your bag down below?
Show a sample answer
¿La pongo abajo?
This asks 'Should I put it down below?' using the verb 'poner' (to put). 'La' refers to the bag. You can also say '¿La pongo en el suelo?' (Should I put it on the floor?).
Use '¿Estorba mi bolsa?' to check if your bag is in the way, and respond with 'Perdón, la muevo' when asked to move it. Keep it polite and simple.
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