Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caja | /ˈkaxa/ | feminine |
| redoblante | /redoˈblante/ | masculine |
| caja clara | /kaxa klaɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| tarola | /taɾola/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
All these terms refer to the tubular drum used in percussion. caja clara is a more specific musical term used to distinguish the snare drum from other drums, such as the bass drum (bombo).
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on your location and the level of musical specificity required. In Spain, caja is the most common way to refer to the instrument, even though caja can also mean a box in other contexts. In Mexico and parts of Central America, tarola is the standard term. Across many Latin American countries, redoblante is commonly used. For specific musical distinction, caja clara is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
redoblante is common in many Latin American countries, while tarola is the standard in Mexico and several Central American countries. In Spain, caja is the preferred term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms have different genders. caja and caja clara are feminine nouns and require feminine articles like la or una. tarola is also a feminine noun requiring feminine articles. In contrast, redoblante is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaxa/
Did you know?
- The word caja is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'cash', stemming from the same Latin root used for containers.
- The term caja clara uses the adjective 'clear' or 'bright' to distinguish the snare's sharp snap from the deep thud of a bombo.
- The term redoblante shares a root with the verb redoblar, which describes the act of doubling or repeating a sound.
Examples in context
- Un bombo, una caja y platillos una vez fueron todo lo que un compositor necesitaba para hacer a una obra sonar exótica.A bass drum, a snare drum, and cymbals were once all a composer needed to make a work sound exotic.This sentence shows how to list a snare drum alongside other percussion instruments using caja.Tatoeba #1627402 by marcelostockle, translation #814455 by papabear
- El sonido distintivo del tambor de caja resalta en la música militar.The distinctive sound of the snare drum stands out in military music.
- Aquel baterista tiene un redoblante impresionante.That drummer has an impressive snare drum.
- El redoblante se usa en diversos géneros musicales, como el rock y el jazz.The snare drum is used in various music genres, such as rock and jazz.
- La caja suena muy fuerte.The snare drum sounds very loud.
- Necesito comprar una caja nueva.I need to buy a new snare drum.
Example conversation
In a music studio during a rehearsal.
- JavierSofía, ¿puedes probar la caja?Sofía, can you test the snare drum?
- SofíaSí, Javier, suena perfecta.Yes, Javier, it sounds perfect.
- JavierExcelente, empecemos a tocar.Excellent, let's start playing.
- SofíaEstoy lista.I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snare drum” translations and entries caja, redoblante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caja, redoblante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
