弁当箱(べんとうばこ)

べんとうばこ
noun
lunch box; bento box
1. lunch box; bento box
A container used for packing and carrying a boxed meal (弁当(べんとう)). Comes in various materials and styles, from simple plastic to elaborate lacquerware.
弁当箱(べんとうばこ)を洗(あら)う。
To wash the lunch box.
新(あたら)しい弁当箱(べんとうばこ)を買(か)った。
I bought a new lunch box.
子(こ)どもの弁当箱(べんとうばこ)に好(す)きなキャラクターの絵(え)が描(えが)いてある。
My child's lunch box has pictures of their favorite character on it.

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(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.

general
Added 2026.3.29 1:16
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