Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| arca | [ˈar.ka] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈar.ka] (narrow) |
feminine |
| capsula | [ˈkap.sʊ.ɫa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkap.su.la] (narrow) |
|
| capsa | [ˈkap.sa] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkap.sa] (narrow) |
feminine |
| riscus | masculine | |
| pyxis | [ˈpyk.sɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpik.sis] (narrow) |
feminine |
| pyxidicula | feminine |
In Latin, several words can mean box depending on the size, shape and purpose of the container. While arca often refers to a larger, more substantial container like a chest or a strongbox used for storage, loculus is also used as a synonym for box.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the specific type of container: arca is a chest or strongbox, while capsa is a general container. The form capsula is a diminutive of capsa and refers to a smaller box. Pyxis describes a small, typically cylindrical container with a removable lid, whereas its diminutive pyxidicula refers to a tiny box or a pillbox.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun arca is feminine. Its genitive singular can be arcis or arcae. The word capsa is also feminine, and its nominative plural form is capsae. Riscus is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- In the Vulgate Bible, the word arca is used to describe Noah's Ark.
- The word capsula is the direct ancestor of the English word 'capsule'.
- Roman lawyers used arca not just for a box, but to refer to a bank or a treasury.
Examples in context
- Arca super mensam est.The box is on the table.This sentence shows the location of the arca.Tatoeba #12019736 by carlosalberto, translation #12019714 by carlosalberto
- Multa ova in capsa sunt.There are a lot of eggs in the box.This sentence describes the contents of the capsa.Tatoeba #1078761 by alexmarcelo, translation #44471 by CK
- Capsa e ligno facta est.The box is made of wood.This sentence describes the material of the capsa.Tatoeba #1142284 by alexmarcelo, translation #44451 by CK
- Capsa ligneaWooden box
- Cista recondendiStorage box
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Lucia are looking for a lost item in a room.
- QuintusUbi est arca mea, Lucia?Where is my box, Lucia?
- LuciaArca tua sub mensa est.Your box is under the table.
- QuintusGratias tibi ago.Thank you.
- LuciaLibenter, Quinte.You are welcome, Quintus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries arca, capsula, capsa, riscus, pyxis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
