Inklingo

How to Say "p.o. box" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apartado

/ah-par-TAH-doh//apaɾˈtaðo/

nounA2postal service
Use 'apartado' when referring specifically to a numbered postal box rented from the post office for receiving mail.
A wall of small metal mailboxes in a post office.

Examples

Mándame la carta al apartado de correos 502.

Send the letter to P.O. Box 502.

No tenemos oficina física, solo un apartado postal.

We don't have a physical office, just a post office box.

¿Cuál es tu número de apartado?

What is your P.O. Box number?

Gender and Mailing

In this context, it is always masculine ('el apartado') and does not change form.

Caja vs. Apartado

Mistake: “Saying 'caja de correos' for a P.O. box.”

Correction: Use 'apartado'. A 'caja' is a physical cardboard box; an 'apartado' is a numbered mail slot.

casillero

/ka-see-yeh-roh//kasiˈʎeɾo/

nounB1mailing address
Use 'casillero' when referring to a mail slot or small compartment, often found in an office or apartment building, where mail is placed.
A wall of small wooden mail slots with a letter sticking out of one.

Examples

Por favor, deja el reporte en mi casillero de la oficina.

Please leave the report in my office mail slot.

Tengo un casillero postal para recibir mis paquetes.

I have a P.O. Box to receive my packages.

Cada profesor tiene un casillero asignado en la sala de maestros.

Every teacher has an assigned mail slot in the teachers' lounge.

Using 'en'

To say something is 'in' the mail slot, always use 'en' (En el casillero).

Casillero vs. Casilla

Mistake: “Saying 'casillero' for a checkbox on a form.”

Correction: Use 'casilla' for a small square on a form or board game; 'casillero' is a physical 3D box or slot.

Apartado vs. Casillero

Learners often confuse 'apartado' and 'casillero' because both relate to mail delivery. Remember that 'apartado' is specifically a P.O. Box rented from the post office, while 'casillero' is a more general term for a mail slot or compartment.

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