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?
段ボール箱を捨ててください。
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'.
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.
A box made of corrugated cardboard, often used for shipping or moving.
Specifically a cardboard box. Often shortened to 段ボール (danbōru) in casual speech.
引っ越しのために段ボール箱をたくさん集めました。
I collected a lot of cardboard boxes for moving.
A container for carrying a meal, especially a Japanese-style packed lunch.
A lunch box, typically used for bento. Can be made of plastic, wood, or metal.
毎日、弁当箱を持って会社に行きます。
I bring a lunch box to work every day.
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.
この部屋は四角い形をしています。
This room is shaped like a box.
Literally 'box-shaped'. Used for objects like box-shaped cars or buildings.
あの車は箱型で、中が広いです。
That car is box-shaped and spacious inside.
A small enclosed seating area in a theater or stadium.
Refers to a booth or box seat in a restaurant, theater, or stadium.
野球の試合をボックス席で見ました。
I watched the baseball game from a box seat.
A small square on a form or screen that can be checked or selected.
Standard term for a checkbox in UI or forms.
利用規約に同意する場合は、チェックボックスにチェックを入れてください。
If you agree to the terms, please check the checkbox.
A marked area on a sports field.
Used in sports like soccer (penalty box) or baseball (batter's box). Often part of a compound.
ペナルティーボックス内でファウルがありました。
There was a foul inside the penalty box.
To place something into a box.
The most natural way to say 'to box something' or 'put in a box'.
これらの本を箱に入れてください。
Please box these books.
Means 'to pack into boxes', often used for commercial packing or shipping.
商品を箱詰めして発送します。
We will box the products and ship them.
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'.
りんごを三箱買いました。
I bought three boxes of apples.