Maleta vs. maletín

The Spanish words 'maleta' and 'maletín' both refer to items used for carrying personal belongings, but they are used in different contexts due to their size and purpose.

Maleta

A 'maleta' is a suitcase, generally larger in size, used for traveling to carry clothes, toiletries, and other personal items over longer distances or durations.
Ella empacó su maleta para las vacaciones.
(She packed her suitcase for the vacation.)
La maleta estaba demasiado pesada para llevarla al avión.
(The suitcase was too heavy to carry onto the plane.)
Compré una maleta nueva porque la vieja estaba rota.
(I bought a new suitcase because the old one was broken.)

Maletín

A 'maletín' is a briefcase or small bag, typically used for carrying documents, laptops, and other work-related items. It is smaller compared to a 'maleta' and often used on a daily basis.
Llevó el maletín al trabajo todos los días.
(He carried the briefcase to work every day.)
El maletín tiene un compartimento especial para el portátil.
(The briefcase has a special compartment for the laptop.)
Ella puso sus documentos importantes en el maletín.
(She put her important documents in the briefcase.)

Summary

'Maleta' is generally used to describe larger luggage suitable for travel, while 'maletín' refers to a smaller case used mainly for business or daily needs.