cajita
/kaxita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "small box" is translated into Spanish as cajita.
cajita refers to a container of a small size.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the root caja (box) and the diminutive suffix -ita (little/small).
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, cajita must be preceded by the feminine article la (e.g., la cajita) instead of the masculine el. To make the word plural, add -s to the end of the diminutive form to get cajitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaxita/
Did you know?
- The word caja is a cognate of the English word 'case'. Both words trace their origins back to the Latin word capsa, which referred to a cylindrical box used for storing scrolls.
- The word caja is used in the phrase caja de sorpresas, which translates to 'box of surprises'. This is used to describe a person who is unpredictable or has hidden talents.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word caja is also used to refer to a 'cash register' or a 'checkout counter'. A cajita in a retail context might refer to a small point-of-sale terminal.
Examples in context
- El niño juntó un puñado de maníes y los metió en una cajita.The boy gathered a handful of peanuts and put them in a small box.This sentence demonstrates how to use cajita when describing someone putting items into a container.Tatoeba #1601403 by marcelostockle, translation #267998 by CK
- ¡Mira esta caja! Es una cajita pequeña para joyas.Look at this box! It's a small box for jewelry.
- ¿Puedes guardar estos pendientes en una cajita chiquita?Can you store these earrings in a small box?
- Guarda los anillos en la cajita.Put the rings in the small box.
- Compré una cajita para mis fotos.I bought a small box for my photos.
Example conversation
María and Javier are organizing a gift.
- MaríaJavier, ¿dónde está la cajita roja?Javier, where is the small red box?
- JavierEstá sobre la mesa, María.It is on the table, María.
- MaríaGracias, el regalo cabe justo en la cajita.Thanks, the gift fits perfectly in the small box.
- JavierQué bien, ahora podemos cerrarla.That's great, now we can close it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
