Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| коро́бка | koróbka | feminine | |
| я́щик | jáščik | masculine | |
| сунду́к | sundúk | masculine | |
| футля́р | futljár | masculine | |
| шкату́лка | škatúlka | feminine | |
| бокс | boks | [boks] (narrow) | masculine |
In Russian, the word used for "box" depends on the size, material and purpose of the container.
Which one should you use?
Russian uses different words to distinguish between various types of boxes: коро́бка is typically used for small, lightweight or cardboard containers like a cereal box or a gift box. я́щик is typically used for larger, sturdier containers like wooden crates, drawers in a desk or large storage bins. сунду́к refers specifically to a large, heavy chest or trunk, often used for storage or travel. футля́р is used for a protective case or sleeve for delicate items like glasses, musical instruments or specialized tools. шкату́лка is used for small, often ornate or decorative boxes, most commonly for jewelry or trinkets. бокс is a loanword that refers to the sport of boxing or, in specific technical contexts, a compartment or stall.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
koróbka
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use the loanword бокс to mean a physical container, but in Russian, it refers to the sport or a specific compartment.
Did you know?
- In Russian, a 'gearbox' in a car is called коробка передач, literally translating to a 'box of transfers'.
- In Russian literature and folk tales, the word сунду́к often describes a heavy, magical chest that might contain spirits or infinite treasures.
- If you are at an auto repair shop, the word бокс will be used to describe the service bay or stall where the car is worked on, rather than a container.
Examples in context
- Кошка в боксе.The cat is in the box.This sentence is useful for seeing бокс used to mean a compartment or stall.Tatoeba #4406414 by Balamax, translation #1837850 by Spamster
- Том хочет, чтобы Оливер научился боксировать, но Мэри считает это слишком опасным.Tom wants Oliver to learn how to box, but Mary thinks that it's too dangerous.This sentence shows the relationship between the word бокс and the sport of boxing.Tatoeba #5084526 by Karok, translation #1394959 by Spamster
- «У меня телефон в кокпите. Кто-то забыл в кокпите телефон. Что мне сейчас делать?» «Ясно, Роберт, в боксы, в боксы»."I have a phone in my cockpit. Someone left a phone in my cockpit. What should I do now?" "Okay Robert, box now, box."This sentence uses бокс in a technical context involving compartments.Tatoeba #4132431 by Ooneykcall, translation #4132430 by Ooneykcall
- У меня ручка в коробкеI have a pen in a box
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dmitry are in the living room cleaning up.
- Мария MariaГде эта картонная коро́бка?Gde eta kartonnaya korobka?Where is this cardboard box?
- Дмитрий DmitryОна стоит в углу.Ona stoit v uglu.It is standing in the corner.
- Мария MariaДмитрий, помоги мне её открыть.Dmitriy, pomogi mne yeyo otkryt'.Dmitry, help me open it.
- Дмитрий DmitryХорошо, я сейчас помогу.Khorosho, ya seychas pomogu.Okay, I will help you now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “box” translations and entries бокс, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
