cajas
/KAH-has/
boxes
In its most common usage, cajas means boxes, referring to general containers.
cajas(noun)
boxes
?general containers
,crates
?large shipping containers
cases
?storage or display
📝 In Action
Compré diez cajas de cartón para empacar mis libros.
A1I bought ten cardboard boxes to pack my books.
Por favor, pon las cajas grandes en el garaje.
A1Please put the large crates in the garage.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural of 'Caja'
Since 'caja' is a feminine noun, its plural form 'cajas' requires feminine plural articles and adjectives (e.g., 'unas cajas rojas').
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Right Size
If you need a drawer or a much larger container, use 'cajones' (drawers/large boxes) or 'contenedores' instead of 'cajas'.
When referring to a machine, cajas means cash registers.
cajas(noun)
cash registers
?the machine
,checkouts
?the physical station in a store
tills
?UK English term for cash register
📝 In Action
Hay una fila muy larga en las cajas del supermercado.
A2There is a very long line at the supermarket checkouts.
El gerente abrió dos cajas más para acelerar el servicio.
B1The manager opened two more cash registers to speed up the service.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
You will know 'cajas' means 'checkouts' when you are in a shopping or retail context.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Singular/Plural
Mistake: "Voy a la caja (I'm going to the box)."
Correction: Voy a las cajas (I'm going to the checkouts/tills). Use the plural when referring to the whole area.
In the context of audio equipment, cajas means speakers.
📝 In Action
Necesitamos conectar las cajas de sonido al amplificador.
B1We need to connect the speakers to the amplifier.
Estas cajas producen un sonido muy nítido.
B2These speakers produce a very clear sound.
💡 Grammar Points
Technical Term
While 'altavoces' is also common, 'cajas' is often used in a slightly more technical or professional context for the physical enclosure of the speaker.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cajas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cajas' to mean 'checkouts'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If I want to ask for the bank, should I use 'cajas'?
No. While 'caja' sometimes means 'bank' or 'savings bank' (like 'caja de ahorros'), the standard word for a bank is 'banco'. Use 'cajas' only when referring to the actual cash registers or tills inside a store.
What is the difference between 'cajas' and 'cajones'?
'Cajas' are usually removable containers (like cardboard boxes). 'Cajones' (drawers) are typically part of a piece of furniture (like a desk or chest) and are pulled out, not carried.