Inklingo

How to Say "cage" in Spanish

English → Spanish

jaula

HAH-oo-lah/ˈxaula/

nounA1general
Use 'jaula' when referring to a structure specifically designed to confine animals, like a birdcage or a zoo enclosure.
A small yellow canary sitting inside a simple metal birdcage, looking outward.

Examples

El pájaro canta todo el día dentro de su jaula.

The bird sings all day inside its cage.

Necesitamos una jaula grande para transportar al perro.

We need a large cage to transport the dog.

La jaula del león era de acero reforzado.

The lion's cage was made of reinforced steel.

Gender Rule

Remember that 'jaula' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la jaula', 'una jaula pequeña').

caja

/KA-ha//ˈkaxa/

nounB2technical
Use 'caja' when referring to a box-like container or structure, particularly in mechanical contexts like a gearbox or a chest cavity.
A simple, red and white snare drum sitting on a small stand.

Examples

El mecánico tuvo que reparar la caja de cambios del coche.

The mechanic had to repair the car's gearbox.

El baterista tocaba la caja con mucha energía.

The drummer played the snare drum with a lot of energy.

La radiografía mostró una fractura en su caja torácica.

The x-ray showed a fracture in his rib cage.

Confusing 'jaula' and 'caja'

The most common mistake is using 'caja' for an animal enclosure. Remember that 'jaula' is the specific word for an animal cage. 'Caja' is a more general term for a box or container, and only used for specific technical or anatomical structures when translating 'cage'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.