Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| scatola | /ˈska.to.la/ | feminine |
| bussolotto | /bus.soˈlɔt.to/ | masculine |
In Italian, the term for a box depends on its size and purpose. You use scatola to refer to a general container or a cardboard box. For example, a shoebox is a scatola di scarpe. If you are referring to a specific type of small box used for drawing lots or a container for items like dice or tokens, use bussolotto. Relatedly, the verb boxare can be used to mean striking with the fists or fighting against a person in a boxing match.
Which one should you use?
scatola is the general term for a standard box or container, such as a cardboard box. In contrast, bussolotto is a specialized term for a small box used for drawing lots or holding specific small items like tokens.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
scatola is a feminine noun. Its plural form is scatole. bussolotto is a masculine noun. Its plural form is bussolotti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word scatola is pronounced /ˈska.to.la/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word box is often used as a loanword to refer specifically to a private garage or a parking space.
- The Italian expression scatola cinese refers to a 'Chinese box', which describes a story or situation where one mystery is nested inside another.
- The word scatola is a 'metathesis', meaning the letters swapped positions over centuries from the Latin castula.
Examples in context
- La scatola è qui.The box is here.This sentence is useful for stating the location of the scatola.Tatoeba #13291980 by Guybrush88, translation #9517311 by CK
- È la mia scatola.That's my box.This sentence is useful for identifying ownership of the scatola.Tatoeba #13303255 by Guybrush88, translation #5333393 by mailohilohi
- Mi dia la scatola.Give me the box.This sentence is useful for requesting the scatola.Tatoeba #13291961 by Guybrush88, translation #12182789 by ddnktr
- Ho ricevuto una cassa di vino pregiato.I received a crate of fine wine.
- Puoi mettere il file nella scatola dell'archivio?Can you put the file in the archive box?
- Ho trovato questo scatolone nella soffitta, non so cosa contenga.I found this big box in the attic, I don't know what's inside.
- Ho comprato un gioiello incantevole e l'hanno confezionato in una bellissima scatolina.I bought a lovely piece of jewelry, and they packaged it in a beautiful little box.
- 942 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are packing things for a move.
- AlessandroSofia, dove mettiamo questa scatola?Sofia, where do we put this box?
- SofiaMettila vicino all'ingresso, Alessandro.Put it near the entrance, Alessandro.
- AlessandroQuesta scatola è troppo pesante.This box is too heavy.
- SofiaPosso aiutarti io a spostarla.I can help you move it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries scatola, bussolotto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bussolotto, scatola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
