"Fique de olho nas malas."
Translation:Keep an eye on the suitcases.
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Is 'Fique de olho' an expression used in Brazil or is it just literal translation of 'Keep an eye'?
In this case it's because this is a fixed expresion, think of asking why is it "keep an eye "on" the suitcase" and not "keep an eye "at" the suitcase" ? :)
Malas are traveling bags, those big ones you fill with clothes and personal belongings and go to the airport.
Suitcases are "maletas" (mala's diminutive).
Luggage would be a good translation, but I believe it doesn't take the plural...
A ‘mala’ is a case made out of plastic, leather, canvas, vinyl or some other sturdy material, with a hinged lid and a handle to make it suitable for carrying clothes and other luggage. So a suitcase or trunk.
Here's a typical one: http://entretenimento.r7.com/blogs/giuseppe-oristanio/files/2014/02/como-fazer-mala-1.jpg
It can also be a woman's handbag, more or less synonymous with ‘bolsa’, or the boot of a car, or slang for someone's stomach or abdomen.
In Brazil it can informally also mean a bore (in the sense of a boring person) or it can be a vulgar word for anus or penis.
A ‘maleta’ is a small suitcase, typically one of those on little wheels with an elongated handle that you drag along behind you.
Here's an example: http://milvuelosbaratos.com/wp-content/maleta.jpg
But it can also be used for a variety of other kinds of small suitcases.
Hi Danmoller, in Eu English a suitcase is exactly how you describe "uma mala". A maleta is what we might describe as a cabin suitcase, or just a small wheeled suitcase. The word "luggage" is usually the plural for more than one suitcase.
On an earlier question, there was a discussion of "leave" vs. "keep" as meanings of "deixar." Could one also say "Deixe de olho nas malas?"
