盒子

• Pinyin: hé zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 盒 = box; 子 = noun suffix

Meaning

Box; small container. A container typically with a lid for storing items.

General term for small boxes and containers. Used for gift boxes, storage boxes, jewelry boxes, etc. More casual than just 盒, emphasizes the container itself.

Examples

1. 她把戒指放在一个小盒子里。 She put the ring in a small box.
2. 这个盒子是用来装什么的？ What is this box for?
3. 请把这些文件放进盒子里。 Please put these documents in the box.

Usage Guide

Context: storage, gifts, organization, household

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 盒子里有什么？(What's in the box?)
• 把盒子打开看看。(Open the box and take a look.)

Don't Say

• 盒子 for large containers like crates (use 箱子 for larger boxes)

Origin & History

Compound of 盒 (box) + 子 (noun suffix), emphasizing the object as a container.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal