筆箱(ふでばこ)

Etymology

筆(ふで) (writing brush/pen) + 箱(はこ) (box)

Types

• 缶(かん)筆箱(ふでばこ) (metal pencil case - common with children)
• 布製(ぬのせい)筆箱(ふでばこ) (fabric pencil case)
• ポーチ型(がた) (pouch-style)

Alternative term

ペンケース (pen case) is also commonly used, especially by older students and adults.

School supply

Essential item for Japanese students. Elementary school students often use hard plastic or metal cases, while older students prefer soft pouches.

Typical contents

• 鉛筆(えんぴつ) (pencil)
• 消(け)しゴム (eraser)
• 定規(じょうぎ) (ruler)
• シャープペンシル (mechanical pencil)
• ボールペン (ballpoint pen)

Related words

• 文房具(ぶんぼうぐ) (stationery)
• ペンケース (pen case)
• 道具箱(どうぐばこ) (tool box)