caja
/KA-ha/
box
The primary meaning of caja is 'box,' like this simple cardboard container.
caja(Noun)
box
?a container, usually square or rectangular
case
?a container for a specific item, e.g., a guitar
,carton
?e.g., of milk or juice
📝 In Action
Puse los libros viejos en una caja de cartón.
A1I put the old books in a cardboard box.
Mi gata le encanta dormir dentro de las cajas.
A1My cat loves to sleep inside boxes.
¿Puedes traerme una caja de leche del supermercado?
A2Can you bring me a carton of milk from the supermarket?
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine: 'La Caja'
Remember that 'caja' is a feminine word, so you always use 'la' or 'una' with it. For example, 'la caja grande' (the big box), not 'el caja grande'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Caja' vs. 'Cajón'
Mistake: "Puse mis calcetines en la caja."
Correction: Puse mis calcetines en el cajón. Use 'caja' for a separate, movable box and 'cajón' for a drawer that's part of a piece of furniture like a dresser.
⭐ Usage Tips
Making it Smaller
To talk about a small box, you can add '-ita' to the end: 'cajita'. For example, 'una cajita de joyas' (a little jewelry box).
Caja also refers to the 'checkout' or 'cash register' in a store.
caja(Noun)
checkout
?the place in a store where you pay
cash register
?the machine that holds the money
,till
?another word for a cash register
📝 In Action
Hay una fila muy larga en la caja.
A2There's a very long line at the checkout.
Por favor, pague en la caja número tres.
A2Please pay at checkout number three.
El cajero abrió la caja para darme el cambio.
B1The cashier opened the till to give me my change.
⭐ Usage Tips
Person vs. Place
The place is 'la caja' (the checkout). The person working there is 'el cajero' (for a man) or 'la cajera' (for a woman).
When referring to security, caja can mean a 'safe' or 'cashbox,' often seen in the phrase caja fuerte.
caja(Noun)
safe / cashbox
?a secure box for money or valuables
bank / savings bank
?a type of financial institution
📝 In Action
Guardamos los documentos importantes en la caja fuerte.
B1We keep the important documents in the safe.
Voy a la caja de ahorros para depositar este cheque.
B1I'm going to the savings bank to deposit this check.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When you hear 'caja' in a financial setting, it's likely referring to a bank or a safe, not a cardboard box. The words around it, like 'fuerte' (strong) or 'de ahorros' (of savings), will give you the clue.
In music, caja is the word used for a 'snare drum.'
caja(Noun)
case / housing
?a protective covering for mechanical parts
drum
?a musical instrument
,cage
?as in rib cage
📝 In Action
El mecánico tuvo que reparar la caja de cambios del coche.
B2The mechanic had to repair the car's gearbox.
El baterista tocaba la caja con mucha energía.
B2The drummer played the snare drum with a lot of energy.
La radiografía mostró una fractura en su caja torácica.
C1The x-ray showed a fracture in his rib cage.
Informally, caja can be used as a euphemism for a 'coffin' or 'casket.'
📝 In Action
Dicen que se lo encontraron tieso en la cama y al día siguiente ya estaba en la caja.
C1They say they found him stiff in his bed and the next day he was already in the coffin.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
This meaning is very informal and can sound a bit blunt or even morbid. The more standard and respectful word is 'ataúd'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: caja
Question 1 of 1
In the sentence 'Cuando termines, por favor paga en la caja', what does 'caja' mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'caja' and 'cajón'?
Think of it this way: a 'caja' is a standalone box you can pick up and move. A 'cajón' is a drawer that slides in and out of a piece of furniture, like a desk or a dresser. So you put clothes in a 'cajón', but you might ship a gift in a 'caja'.
I heard 'caja' used for a musical instrument. What is it?
Yes! In music, especially in a drum kit, 'la caja' refers to the snare drum. It's the one that gives that sharp, rattling sound.