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How to Say "pigeonhole" in Spanish

English → Spanish

casilla

/ka-see-ya//kaˈsiʝa/

nounA2general
Use 'casilla' when referring to a general slot for organization, like in a form, a game board, or a digital filing system.
A single colorful square highlighted on a wooden game board.

Examples

Por favor, marca la casilla correspondiente.

Please, check the corresponding box.

Mueve tu ficha a la casilla de salida.

Move your piece to the starting square.

Tienes que marcar esta casilla si estás de acuerdo.

You have to check this box if you agree.

El caballo se mueve a una casilla blanca.

The knight moves to a white square.

Small House, Big Meaning

The word comes from 'casa' (house) plus the ending '-illa' which usually means 'small'. So, a 'casilla' is literally a 'tiny house' or a small defined space.

Using 'Casilla' for Forms

When a website or paper form asks you to 'check the box,' always use 'marcar la casilla.' Don't use 'caja' here!

Casilla vs. Caja

Mistake: “Voy a marcar la caja.”

Correction: Voy a marcar la casilla.

taquilla

/ta-KEE-yah//taˈkiʝa/

nounA2general
Use 'taquilla' for a small, physical compartment, often found in public places like gyms, schools, or train stations, for storing personal items.
A row of blue metal lockers with small vents and silver handles.

Examples

Dejé mi mochila en la taquilla número 25.

I left my backpack in locker number 25.

Guarda tu bolso en la taquilla del gimnasio.

Keep your bag in the gym locker.

He olvidado la llave de mi taquilla.

I have forgotten my locker key.

Los estudiantes decoran sus taquillas.

The students decorate their lockers.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one locker, simply add an 's' to get 'taquillas'.

Locker vs. Closet

Mistake: “Puse mi ropa en la taquilla de mi dormitorio.”

Correction: Puse mi ropa en el armario de mi dormitorio.

Casilla vs. Taquilla

Learners often confuse 'casilla' and 'taquilla' because both can refer to a 'compartment'. Remember that 'casilla' is more abstract for organizing information, while 'taquilla' is a physical locker for belongings.

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