सामान पैक करना

You treat this as a standard 'karna' verb. If you are doing it right now, say मैं सामान पैक कर रहा हूँ. If you finished, say मैंने सामान पैक कर लिया. It is very flexible. You can use it for a small backpack or ten giant suitcases. Just add the person who is packing at the start.

Use this when you are at home getting ready for a trip. It is perfect for telling a friend why you are busy. You can use it at a hotel when checking out. It also works when you are helping someone else organize their things. If you are texting a group about a trip, this is your go-to phrase.

Do not use this for wrapping a gift for a birthday. That would be गिफ्ट पैक करना or लपेटना. Avoid using it for putting leftovers in a box. For food, you should just say खाना पैक करना. This phrase is specifically for luggage and personal belongings. Don't use it for industrial packing in a factory either.

In India, packing is often a chaotic family affair. Everyone gives advice on how to fit more things in. You will often see people sitting on suitcases to zip them shut. Mothers will usually sneak extra snacks into your सामान at the last minute. It is a sign of love and care. Packing for a trip usually starts days in advance in many households.

You might hear सामान बांधना (sāmān bāndhnā) which means 'to tie the luggage'. This is an older, more traditional way of saying it. Another one is सामान समेटना (sāmān sameṭnā). This means 'to gather/wrap up your things'. It sounds a bit more like you are finishing up a stay. Younger people almost always use the English word पैक.