箱

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 箱(はこ) is a noun for a box used to store or package things.
• Basic usage: It can serve as a container for wrapping a gift or keeping old letters.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Counting by the box
  • 一箱(ひとはこ) means one box or one boxful.
  • It is a useful unit when distinguishing the number of containers from the number of individual items inside.
• Reading a compound
  • 空き箱, an empty box, is read あきばこ: the standalone reading はこ becomes ばこ in this compound.