caisse
/kɛs/
caisse is the French word for a box or crate used for storing or transporting goods.
A caisse refers to a physical box or crate used for transport or storage. In a retail environment, the word is also used to mean the cash register or the checkout counter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of France, such as in train stations or banks, you might hear the word guichet used to refer to a transaction window or counter instead of caisse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun caisse is feminine, meaning you use the definite article la for the singular form (la caisse) and les for the plural form (les caisses). To make the word plural, simply add an s to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɛs/
Did you know?
- In French slang, la caisse is often used to refer to a car, particularly a powerful or impressive one. This usage turns a 'box' into a vehicle.
- The French expression caisse noire literally means 'black box' but is used to describe an illegal 'slush fund' for bribes.
- The term caisse claire is the French name for a snare drum, referring to the 'box' shape of the drum's shell.
Examples in context
- Il y avait une file d'attente à la caisse enregistreuse.There was a queue at the checkout area.
- une caisse de pommesA crate of apples
- Il faut déplacer cette caisse en bois.We need to move this wooden crate.
- La caisse est pleine de pommes.The crate is full of apples.
- Pose la caisse dans le garage, s'il te plaît.Put the box in the garage, please.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are moving house together.
- LucasEmma, où est la caisse pour les jouets ?Emma, where is the box for the toys?
- EmmaElle est dans le couloir, Lucas.It is in the hallway, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne la vois pas ici.I don't see it here.
- EmmaRegarde derrière la grande caisse bleue.Look behind the big blue crate.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caisse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
