What’s in your backpack right now? In this friendly A1 lesson, you’ll learn the must-know Spanish question to ask about school supplies, simple ways to answer, and the most common items you carry every day. We’ll keep explanations in English and use Spanish only for short phrases and examples—with translations—so you can follow comfortably.

The key question: ask about backpack contents

The most useful question to start any “back-to-school” chat is:

When someone asks this, you can answer in two easy ways:

• Use “hay” (there is/there are) for general statements.
• Use “tengo” (I have) to talk about what you personally have.

Examples:

Backpack essentials: core vocabulary

Learn these high-frequency words. Each card includes a simple example.

Quick check: do you recognize these words?

Choose the best answer. Explanations include translations.

Mini-grammar: “hay” vs. “tengo” and articles

Here’s the simple A1 logic:

Try this quick fill-in focusing on articles. The Spanish sentence is followed by an English gloss so you know the meaning.

En mi mochila hay cuaderno.

English: “In my backpack there is ___ notebook.” (Fill with “un”.)

Tengo botella de agua.

English: “I have ___ water bottle.” (Fill with “una”.)

Build a sentence: word order practice

Put the words in the right order to make the Spanish sentence. Then check the translation.

Translation: “In my backpack there is a pen and two pencils.”

Short dialogue: ask and answer

Reorder the lines to form a natural conversation about backpack contents.

English version after reordering:

• Ana: What is in your backpack?
• Luis: In my backpack, there is a notebook and a ruler.
• Ana: Do you have a pen?
• Luis: Yes, I have two pens.

Cultural note: word variations

Spanish varies by region. You may hear:

• “bolígrafo” (Spain) or “pluma”/“lapicero” (Mexico/Latin America) for “pen.” All mean pen.
• “borrador” or “goma” for “eraser.”
• “mochila” or “morral” for “backpack.”
• “cuaderno” or “libreta” for “notebook.” Use any that your teacher or local friends use—you’ll be understood.

Word anatomy

Why does “sacapuntas” mean “pencil sharpener”? It literally combines “saca” (take out/remove) + “puntas” (points/tips): “point-taker-outer,” i.e., a sharpener.

Common mistake to avoid

Gender matters for “a/one”: “un” (masculine) vs “una” (feminine).

Tengo un mochila. → Tengo una mochila. “mochila” is feminine, so use “una.”

Practice: choose “hay” or “tengo”

Pick the best option. Explanations include quick grammar notes.

Try it yourself

• Look in your backpack and make 3 sentences. Example patterns:
  • “En mi mochila hay + singular/plural.”
  • “Tengo + number + item.”
• Mix numbers: “dos, tres, cuatro” (two, three, four).
• Remember articles:
  • “un cuaderno” (a notebook)
  • “una carpeta” (a folder)

Bonus fill: one more article check.

Hay un en mi mochila.

English: “There is a ___ in my backpack.” (Fill with “lápiz” = pencil.)

Wrap-up

You can now ask and answer about backpack contents using:

• The question: “¿Qué hay en tu mochila?” (What is in your backpack?)
• “Hay...” (There is/There are) for general existence
• “Tengo...” (I have) for personal possession Plus, you learned essential school supply words and how to pick “un” vs “una.” Keep these patterns handy and try them every day—your backpack is the perfect practice partner!