弁当箱(べんとうばこ)

A compound of 弁当(べんとう) (boxed lunch) + 箱(はこ) (box). An everyday item in Japanese life, as many people bring homemade 弁当(べんとう) to school or work.

Common collocations

• 弁当箱(べんとうばこ)を詰(つ)める: to pack a lunch box
• 弁当箱(べんとうばこ)を洗(あら)う: to wash the lunch box
• 二段(にだん)弁当箱(べんとうばこ): two-tier lunch box
• 保温(ほおん)弁当箱(べんとうばこ): insulated lunch box

Types

Japanese lunch boxes come in many styles:

• 曲(まげ)わっぱ: traditional bentwood lunch box
• 重箱(じゅうばこ): stacking lacquer boxes (used for おせち and special occasions)
• ステンレス製(せい): stainless steel type

Cultural note

In Japan, 弁当箱(べんとうばこ) are not just functional containers. Many parents take pride in making attractive, character-themed lunches (キャラ弁(きゃらべん)) for their children.