盒
The English word 'box' can be translated into Cantonese as 盒. Wiktionary also lists 盒仔 (hap⁶ zai²) and 箱 (soeng¹).
Meaning: cuboid space, container (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 盒 | |
| 盒仔 | hap⁶ zai² |
| 箱 | soeng¹ |
In Cantonese, the term you choose depends on the size and nature of the container. 箱 is the standard term for large-scale storage containers, shipping boxes or crates.
Which one should you use?
The forms are distinguished by size and substance. 盒 is typically used for smaller containers, such as small cardboard boxes, tea boxes or small food containers. In contrast, 箱 refers to larger, more substantial containers like wooden crates, large cardboard boxes or trunks.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the diminutive suffix 仔 to 盒 creates 盒仔, which is used to refer to a small box in a more colloquial or affectionate manner.
Did you know?
- The character 盒 is a pictograph that originally depicted a container with a lid. Its shape reflects the actual object it represents.
- In Cantonese, the word 盒 is also the standard way to refer to a 'box' of tissues, even though the container is soft and pliable rather than rigid.
- The diminutive 仔 in 盒仔 does not just mean 'small'. It can add a layer of cuteness or casualness to the object, similar to using 'little' in English.
Examples in context
- 佢搵到嗰個箱係吉嘅。The box he found was empty.Tatoeba #452413 by nickyeow, translation #283579 by CK
- 呢個箱裏面裝滿晒蘋果。This box is filled with apples.Tatoeba #386861 by nickyeow, translation #57520 by CK
- 你直接撕開個箱咪得囉。You can tear the box open.Tatoeba #1553756 by nickyeow, translation #44452 by CK
- 請將文件存放在這個盒子裡。Please store the documents in this box.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zi Jian is asking Mei Ling for a container to store some cookies.
- 子健 Tsz Kin美玲，你有冇個空盒畀我？Mei Ling, nei jau mou go hung hung bei ngo?Mei Ling, do you have an empty box for me?
- 美玲 Mei Ling喺個櫃上面有個盒。hai go gwai soeng min jau go hung.There is a box on top of the cabinet.
- 子健 Tsz Kin呢個盒太細，唔夠放。ni go hung taai sai, m gau fong.This box is too small, it's not enough space.
- 美玲 Mei Ling咁你搵個大啲嘅盒啦。gam nei wan go daai di ge hung la.Then just look for a larger box.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
