Translation guide
The English word 'box' refers to a container, a shape, or an enclosed space. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 箱 (hako), but different words are used depending on the material, purpose, and context.
A rigid container, typically with a lid, used for storage or transport.
The most common and general word for a box. Can refer to boxes made of cardboard, wood, plastic, etc.
What's in this box?
Please throw away the cardboard box.
Loanword from English, often used in compound words or for stylish/modern containers, such as 'jewelry box' or 'music box'.
A box made of corrugated cardboard, often used for shipping or moving.
A container for carrying a meal, especially a Japanese-style packed lunch.
A square or rectangular shape, or something resembling a box.
Means 'square' or 'rectangle'. Used to describe the shape of a box or a box-like area.
A small enclosed seating area in a theater or stadium.
Refers to a booth or box seat in a restaurant, theater, or stadium.
A small square on a form or screen that can be checked or selected.
A marked area on a sports field.
Used in sports like soccer (penalty box) or baseball (batter's box). Often part of a compound.
To place something into a box.
The most natural way to say 'to box something' or 'put in a box'.
While ボックス is understood, 箱 (hako) is more natural for everyday containers. Use ボックス mainly in established compounds like ジュエリーボックス (jewelry box) or ボックス席 (box seat).
When counting boxes, use the counter 箱 (はこ). For example, 一箱 (ひとはこ) means 'one box'.
I bought three boxes of apples.
このジュエリーボックスはとてもきれいですね。
This jewelry box is very pretty.
Specifically a cardboard box. Often shortened to 段ボール (danbōru) in casual speech.
I collected a lot of cardboard boxes for moving.
A lunch box, typically used for bento. Can be made of plastic, wood, or metal.
I bring a lunch box to work every day.
This room is shaped like a box.
Literally 'box-shaped'. Used for objects like box-shaped cars or buildings.
That car is box-shaped and spacious inside.
I watched the baseball game from a box seat.
Standard term for a checkbox in UI or forms.
If you agree to the terms, please check the checkbox.
There was a foul inside the penalty box.
Please box these books.
Means 'to pack into boxes', often used for commercial packing or shipping.
We will box the products and ship them.