How to Say "coffin" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “coffin” is “ataúd” — use 'ataúd' for the standard, formal term for a coffin, especially when referring to it in a general or ceremonial context..
English → Spanish
ataúd
nounB1general
Use 'ataúd' for the standard, formal term for a coffin, especially when referring to it in a general or ceremonial context.
Examples
El ataúd fue cubierto con una bandera.
The coffin was covered with a flag.
caja
/KA-ha//ˈkaxa/
nounC1informal
Use 'caja' when referring to a coffin in a more colloquial or informal way, often implying a simple box for burial, as in 'box'.
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.
General vs. Informal Usage
The main confusion is between the standard term 'ataúd' and the more informal 'caja'. While 'caja' can mean coffin, it's a very general word for 'box', so using it without context might sound odd or even disrespectful in formal situations where 'ataúd' is expected.
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