How to Say "casket" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “casket” is “ataúd” — use 'ataúd' for the standard, formal term when referring to a coffin, especially in official or solemn contexts..
English → Spanish
ataúd
nounB1formal
Use 'ataúd' for the standard, formal term when referring to a coffin, especially in official or solemn contexts.
Examples
El ataúd fue cubierto con una bandera.
The coffin was covered with a flag.
caja
/KA-ha//ˈkaxa/
nounC1informal
Use 'caja' for a coffin in more informal or colloquial speech, sometimes implying a more basic or even slightly dismissive reference.
Examples
Dicen que se lo encontraron tieso en la cama y al día siguiente ya estaba en la caja.
They say they found him stiff in his bed and the next day he was already in the coffin.
Choosing Between 'Ataúd' and 'Caja'
Learners often use 'caja' too broadly. While 'caja' can mean coffin, it's more commonly just a 'box.' Always consider the context; 'ataúd' is the unambiguous and safer choice for 'coffin' in most situations.
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