Japanese word

箱

Pronunciation

Romajihako

Meaning

  • nounbox

Example

これは箱です。ko re wa hako de su

This is a box.

Illustration for 箱 (box)

More examples

この箱に本を入れます。ko no hako ni hon o i re ma su

I put a book in this box.

プレゼントを箱に入れて、リボンを結びます。pu re ze n to o hako ni i re te ri bo n o musu bi ma su

I put the present in a box and tie a ribbon.

Core concept

Describes an enclosed container that holds and protects objects for storage or transport.

Common phrases

  • 箱を開けるhako o a ke ru

    open a box

  • 箱を閉めるhako o shi me ru

    close a box

  • 箱に入れるhako ni i re ru

    put ___ in a box

  • 箱から出すhako ka ra da su

    take ___ out of a box

Similar words

容器yōki: An object made to hold food, liquid, or other materials.
ケースkēsu: A container that holds and protects a particular item or group of items.
入れ物iremono: A thing used to hold something inside it.

Definition in Japanese

物を入れて保管したり運んだりするための、紙・木・金属などで作った容器。mono o i re te ho kan shi ta ri hako n da ri su ru ta me no kami ki kin zoku na do de tsuku tta yō ki

Word origin

The origin of the Japanese word 箱 (hako, "box") is uncertain; its kanji combines 竹 (chiku, "bamboo") with 相 (sō, "mutual"), which mainly serves as a sound element.

Usage tips

  • The expression 箱入り (hakoiri, "sheltered") comes from the idea of keeping something inside a box and can describe a person raised with little exposure to the outside world.

Word lists with this word