Showing results for caja
caja
box
Etymology tree showing the origins of the Spanish word caja.Etymology tree showing the origins of the Spanish word caja.
Etymology
The Spanish word 'caja' (meaning 'box') comes from the Latin word 'capsa', which also meant 'box' or 'case'. Going back further, 'capsa' derives from the Latin verb 'capere', meaning 'to take' or 'seize'. This evolution makes intuitive sense, as a box is something that 'takes' or 'holds' items inside it.
Related Spanish Words
Some related Spanish words include 'cajón' (drawer), 'cajero' (cashier/ATM), and 'cajita' (little box). All these words share the root 'caja' and relate to containers or storage.
Related English Words
Several English words share the same Latin root 'capere'. For example, 'capsule' comes directly from a diminutive form of 'capsa'. Other English words that derive from 'capere' include 'capture', 'capable', and 'captive' - all relating to the original meaning of 'taking' or 'seizing'. The word 'case' (as in a container or box) is also related, coming from the same Latin 'capsa'.
feedback on this etymology

Etymology is one of the fastest ways to learn Spanish, and Bueno Spanish is built around it.

Learn More
puertaportal
mirarmirror
caballocavalry
dientedental
ganargain
ayudaaid