Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 箱 | hako | [ha̠ko̞] (narrow) |
| 入れ物 | iremono | [iɾe̞mo̞no̞] (narrow) |
| ボックス | bokkusu | [bo̞k̚kɯ̟̊sɨ] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for a box depending on whether you are referring to a rigid container, a general vessel or a technical concept.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 入れ物 is a compound of the verb ireru (to put in) and mono (thing), literally meaning 'a thing for putting things in'.
Which one should you use?
箱 specifically refers to a rigid, box-shaped container. In contrast, 入れ物 is a more general term for any kind of container, such as a bowl or a jar. The loanword ボックス is used primarily in technical, digital or design contexts, such as when referring to a checkbox or a text box.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe an empty box, you can use 空箱, which is formed by prefixing 空 (empty) to 箱. Additionally, the phrase 箱入り is used to describe something that comes packaged in a box, often used to denote gifts or high-quality goods.
How do you pronounce it?
hako
Did you know?
- The term 箱入り娘 (hako-iri musume), meaning 'box-entered daughter', describes a girl who has been sheltered and pampered by her parents.
- In Japanese slang, 箱 (hako) is often used to refer to a live music venue or a nightclub.
- The term 箱根 (Hakone), a famous mountainous region known for hot springs, contains the character for 'box' in its name.
Examples in context
- 箱を開けて。Open the box.This sentence demonstrates how to use 箱 to request opening a container.Tatoeba #3506683 by arnab, translation #2249744 by CK
- 空箱あったよ。I found an empty box.This sentence shows the use of 箱 when referring to a box that is empty.Tatoeba #11858033 by small_snow, translation #10183804 by ddnktr
- 空き箱あったよ。There was an empty box.This sentence illustrates the use of 箱 in the context of an empty box being present.Tatoeba #12342076 by small_snow, translation #12342078 by CK
- 235 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are moving items in their living room.
- 蓮 Renこの箱、どこに運べばいい？Kono hako, doko ni hakobeba ii?Where should I carry this box?
- 陽葵 Himariあっちの棚の横に置いてね。Acchi no tana no yoko ni oite ne.Put it beside that shelf over there.
- 蓮 Renわかった。他にも箱はある？Wakatta. Hoka ni mo hako wa aru?Got it. Are there any more boxes?
- 陽葵 Himariあと二つあるよ。Ato futatsu aru yo.There are two more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries 箱, 入れ物, ボックス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
