상자
sangja[sʰa̠ŋd͡ʑa̠]
The English word "box" is translated into Korean as 상자 (sangja). Wiktionary also lists 박스 (bakseu).
Meaning: cuboid space, container (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 상자 | sangja | [sʰa̠ŋd͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 박스 | bakseu | [pa̠ks͈ɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a cuboid space or a container.
Which one should you use?
While 상자 is the standard term for a box as a physical or conceptual object, 박스 is a loanword from English. 박스 is very common in commercial, industrial or casual contexts, specifically when referring to cardboard shipping boxes.
How do you pronounce it?
sangja
Did you know?
- The word 상자 is composed of Hanja roots meaning 'box' and 'child', though in this combination, it refers to the object rather than a literal person.
- When talking about a 'jewelry box', Koreans often use 보석함, using the root 함 to emphasize the precious nature of the container.
- If you ask for a 박스 of fruit in a market, the seller will assume you want a bulk wholesale amount rather than a single decorative container.
Examples in context
- 상자 안에 거미가 있어.There's a spider in the box.This sentence illustrates the use of 상자 to indicate the location of an object.Tatoeba #8364934 by Eunhee, translation #6953248 by Eccles17
- 이 상자를 열어도 될까요?May I open this box?This sentence demonstrates a polite way to ask permission to open a 상자.Tatoeba #4032531 by intratech, translation #7999616 by ciwlx
- 이 상자 안에 뭔가 들어 있어.There's something in this box.This sentence shows how to describe the presence of an unknown object inside a 상자.Tatoeba #13755210 by qlTmalffk, translation #3286970 by CK
- 저 상자를 들어주세요.Please pick up that box.
- 저기요, 그 박스 어디에 놓을까요?Excuse me, where should I put that box?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are cleaning the living room together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 이 상자 어디에 둘까요?Minji ssi, i sangja eodie dulkayo?Minji, where should I put this box?
- 민지 Min-ji그 상자는 창고로 옮겨 주세요.Geu sangjaneun changgoro omggyeo juseyo.Please move that box to the storage room.
- 도현 Do-hyeon상자가 생각보다 너무 무거워요.Sangjaga saenggakboda neomu mugeowoyo.The box is heavier than I thought.
- 민지 Min-ji제가 같이 들어 드릴게요.Jega gachi deureo deurilgeyo.I will help you carry it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries 상자, 박스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 박스, 상자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
