la caisse
la caisse in 30 Seconds
- La caisse primarily means the checkout or cash register in a shop.
- It also refers to a physical box or crate used for shipping goods.
- In French slang, it is a very common word for a car.
- It can represent financial institutions or pension funds (e.g., Caisse d'Épargne).
The French noun la caisse is a multifaceted word that every French learner must master, as it spans from the most mundane daily activities to specialized financial and even slang contexts. At its most basic level, it refers to a physical container—a box, crate, or case—designed for transport or storage. However, if you are walking through a French supermarket like Carrefour or Monoprix, the word takes on its most frequent meaning: the checkout counter or the cash register. When you hear a clerk say 'Passez à la caisse,' they are directing you to the point of payment. This usage extends to the financial world, where it represents a fund, a bank branch, or a specific treasury department, such as the Caisse d'Épargne (Savings Bank).
- The Physical Object
- A sturdy container, often made of wood or plastic, used for transporting goods like wine or fruit. For example, 'une caisse de vin' is a case of wine.
- The Point of Sale
- The location in a shop where you pay for your items. This includes both the machine (the register) and the area surrounding it.
Il y a une longue file d'attente à la caisse du supermarché ce samedi matin.
Beyond the physical, 'la caisse' has a strong presence in French slang (l'argot). In informal conversations, you will frequently hear 'une caisse' used to mean a car. While 'une voiture' is the standard term, 'une belle caisse' implies a nice or powerful vehicle. Furthermore, in a musical context, a 'caisse claire' refers to a snare drum, showing how the 'box' concept translates into acoustics. Understanding the context is vital: if someone says they are 'à la caisse,' they are likely paying for groceries; if they are 'dans une caisse,' they are likely sitting in a car; and if they are talking about 'la caisse de retraite,' they are discussing their pension fund.
J'ai acheté une vieille caisse pour apprendre à conduire.
Using 'la caisse' correctly requires paying attention to the preposition and the surrounding verbs. Because it is a feminine noun, you must always use 'la' or 'une.' When referring to the act of paying, the most common construction is 'à la caisse.' For example, 'Je vous attends à la caisse' (I am waiting for you at the checkout). If you are referring to the box itself, you might use 'dans la caisse' (inside the box). In financial management, 'faire la caisse' means to count the money in the register at the end of a shift, a crucial task for retail workers.
- Retail Interaction
- 'Où se trouve la caisse, s'il vous plaît ?' (Where is the checkout, please?)
- Financial Context
- 'L'entreprise a besoin de renflouer sa caisse.' (The company needs to replenish its funds.)
Le caissier a fermé la caisse juste avant que j'arrive.
In more advanced usage, you might encounter the expression 'en caisse.' This is often seen in logistics or wholesale, meaning 'in crates.' For instance, 'Les bouteilles sont vendues en caisse de six.' Additionally, the figurative expression 'passer à la caisse' can mean to face the consequences of one's actions, similar to the English 'to pay the piper.' This nuance is common in political or social commentary. When using the word in its slang sense (car), remember that it is very informal. You would say 'Ma caisse est en panne' to a friend, but you would use 'ma voiture' in a formal insurance claim.
Il faut vider la caisse enregistreuse tous les soirs.
You will hear 'la caisse' daily in France, particularly in any commercial environment. In a 'boulangerie,' the baker might point to a small tray or a digital screen and say, 'C'est à la caisse.' In large department stores like Galeries Lafayette, signs prominently display 'CAISSES' to guide customers. Beyond shopping, the word is ubiquitous in the French administrative landscape. The 'Caisse d'Allocations Familiales' (CAF) is a vital government body that handles family benefits, and 'la Sécurité Sociale' is often colloquially linked to various 'caisses' that manage health insurance funds.
- Public Announcements
- 'Une nouvelle caisse vient d'ouvrir au fond du magasin.'
- Informal Circles
- 'T'as vu sa nouvelle caisse ? Elle déchire !' (Did you see his new car? It's awesome!)
Veuillez vous présenter à la caisse centrale pour tout remboursement.
If you watch French films, especially those set in working-class environments or involving crime (le polar), 'la caisse' appears frequently. Characters might talk about 'braquer une caisse' (robbing a register/safe) or 'voler une caisse' (stealing a car). In sports, particularly cycling or running, 'avoir de la caisse' is a common idiom meaning to have great physical endurance or 'stamina.' A commentator might say of a cyclist, 'Il a vraiment de la caisse aujourd'hui,' meaning he has a lot of energy and lung capacity. This diversity of usage makes 'la caisse' a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between formal administration and gritty street slang.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing 'la caisse' with other words that look or sound similar. The word 'case' in English often translates to 'le cas' (an instance or situation) or 'la valise' (a suitcase). Using 'ma caisse' when you mean 'my case' (as in a legal case) would be a significant error; for that, you need 'mon dossier' or 'mon affaire.' Another common trap is the gender. While many containers in French are masculine (le sac, le carton), 'la caisse' is strictly feminine. Saying 'le caisse' will immediately mark you as a beginner.
- Caisse vs. Casse
- 'La casse' (with an 'a') refers to a breakage or a scrapyard. Don't say 'Je vais à la casse' if you mean you're going to pay for your groceries!
- Caisse vs. Case
- 'Une case' is a square on a board game or a hut. It is not a checkout counter.
Attention : on dit 'une caisse de bière' mais 'une valise' pour les vêtements.
Learners also struggle with the prepositional usage. In English, we say 'at the register.' In French, 'à la caisse' is correct, but beginners sometimes try to use 'sur la caisse' (on the register), which physically means you are placing something on top of the machine. Furthermore, be careful with the slang usage. While calling a car 'une caisse' is very common, it is definitely not appropriate in professional settings. If you are talking to your boss about your commute, stick to 'ma voiture.' Lastly, avoid confusing 'la caisse' with 'le caisson' (a large box/subwoofer) or 'la caissette' (a small box/cassette), which have specific technical meanings.
Depending on the context, 'la caisse' can be replaced by several other words to add precision to your French. If you are specifically talking about the counter where you are served, 'le comptoir' is often used, especially in bars or small shops. If you are in a bank or a post office, the specific window where you speak to an employee is 'le guichet.' While 'la caisse' refers to the payment area, 'le guichet' refers to the service point. For the physical container, 'une boîte' is the most generic term for a box, while 'un carton' refers specifically to a cardboard box.
- Caisse vs. Guichet
- Use 'caisse' for paying money and 'guichet' for administrative tasks or ticket booths.
- Caisse vs. Voiture
- 'Voiture' is neutral; 'caisse' is informal/slang; 'véhicule' is formal/technical.
Au lieu de 'caisse', on peut utiliser 'coffre' pour parler d'un trésor ou d'argent accumulé.
In a financial context, 'les fonds' (funds) or 'la trésorerie' (cash flow/treasury) are more professional alternatives to 'la caisse.' If you are referring to a safe where money is kept, use 'un coffre-fort.' For the person operating the register, 'le caissier' or 'la caissière' is the standard term, but in modern supermarkets, you might also see 'hôte/hôtesse de caisse.' Understanding these distinctions allows you to navigate French life with more nuance, knowing when to be informal and when to use precise, professional terminology.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The English word 'cash' actually comes from the Middle French 'caisse' (money box), showing how the container became synonymous with the contents!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the final 'e' (it should be silent).
- Pronouncing 'ai' as 'ay' (it should be 'eh').
- Confusing it with 'case' (English pronunciation).
- Confusing it with 'cas' (kah).
- Confusing it with 'cause' (kohz).
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to recognize in text.
Simple spelling, but remember the double 's'.
Easy pronunciation, but avoid English 'case' sounds.
Clear sound, though slang meanings can be confusing.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Feminine noun agreement
La caisse est **pleine**.
Preposition 'à' for location
Je suis **à la** caisse.
Preposition 'en' for material/container
Une caisse **en** bois.
Compound nouns with 'à'
Une caisse **à** outils.
Compound nouns with 'de'
Une caisse **de** vin.
Examples by Level
Je vais à la caisse.
I am going to the checkout.
Uses the feminine article 'la'.
Où est la caisse ?
Where is the cash register?
Simple question structure.
Il y a une caisse là-bas.
There is a checkout over there.
Indefinite article 'une'.
La caisse est fermée.
The checkout is closed.
Subject-verb-adjective agreement.
Je paie à la caisse.
I pay at the checkout.
Present tense of 'payer'.
Voici une caisse de pommes.
Here is a crate of apples.
Using 'caisse' as a container.
La caisse est à gauche.
The checkout is on the left.
Prepositional phrase 'à gauche'.
Attendez à la caisse.
Wait at the checkout.
Imperative form of 'attendre'.
Le caissier travaille à la caisse.
The cashier works at the checkout.
Relationship between 'caissier' and 'caisse'.
Il faut faire la queue à la caisse.
One must queue at the checkout.
Idiom 'faire la queue'.
La caisse enregistreuse est moderne.
The cash register is modern.
Compound term 'caisse enregistreuse'.
Elle a mis les bouteilles dans la caisse.
She put the bottles in the crate.
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
Puis-je payer par carte à cette caisse ?
Can I pay by card at this checkout?
Interrogative with 'puis-je'.
La caisse accepte les espèces.
The checkout accepts cash.
Third person singular present.
Il y a un problème avec la caisse.
There is a problem with the register.
Using 'il y a'.
Rangez cette caisse dans le garage.
Tidy this box in the garage.
Imperative with 'rangez'.
Je dois aller à la Caisse d'Épargne.
I have to go to the Savings Bank.
Proper noun usage.
Il a acheté une nouvelle caisse hier.
He bought a new car yesterday.
Slang usage (informal).
L'employé fait la caisse tous les soirs.
The employee counts the till every evening.
Idiom 'faire la caisse'.
Cette caisse de retraite est bien gérée.
This pension fund is well managed.
Institutional meaning.
On a besoin d'une caisse à outils.
We need a toolbox.
Compound noun 'caisse à outils'.
L'argent est resté dans la caisse.
The money stayed in the till.
Preposition 'dans'.
Il a cogné sa caisse contre un poteau.
He hit his car against a pole.
Slang context for 'car'.
La caisse centrale gère les remboursements.
The central office handles refunds.
Adjective 'centrale' modifying 'caisse'.
Après ses erreurs, il a dû passer à la caisse.
After his mistakes, he had to pay the price.
Figurative idiom.
Ce coureur a vraiment de la caisse.
This runner really has great stamina.
Sporting idiom for endurance.
L'État doit renflouer les caisses publiques.
The State must replenish public coffers.
Plural 'les caisses' for public funds.
Le batteur frappe fort sur la caisse claire.
The drummer hits the snare drum hard.
Musical term 'caisse claire'.
Elle a encaissé le chèque ce matin.
She cashed the check this morning.
Related verb 'encaisser'.
La voiture est une vieille caisse rouillée.
The car is an old rusty heap.
Descriptive slang.
Il y a un manque dans la caisse ce soir.
There is a shortage in the till tonight.
Business context.
Le vin est livré en caisses de bois.
The wine is delivered in wooden crates.
Preposition 'en' for packaging.
La Caisse des Dépôts joue un rôle crucial.
The Caisse des Dépôts plays a crucial role.
Specific legal/financial entity.
Il s'est agi de vider les caisses avant la faillite.
It was a matter of emptying the funds before bankruptcy.
Impersonal construction 'il s'est agi de'.
Sa caisse de résonance est impressionnante.
Its resonance chamber is impressive.
Acoustic terminology.
Le projet a été financé par la caisse noire.
The project was funded by a slush fund.
Idiom 'caisse noire'.
Elle a une sacrée caisse pour son âge.
She has amazing physical capacity for her age.
Colloquial use of 'caisse' for fitness.
L'entreprise souffre d'un défaut de caisse.
The company is suffering from a cash deficit.
Technical accounting term.
Il a fallu décaisser des sommes importantes.
It was necessary to disburse significant sums.
Advanced verb 'décaisser'.
C'est une caisse à savon pour enfants.
It's a soapbox car for children.
Idiom 'caisse à savon'.
Les caisses de l'État sont exsangues.
The state's coffers are bled dry.
High-level vocabulary 'exsangues'.
Il a fait caisse commune avec ses associés.
He pooled resources with his partners.
Idiom 'faire caisse commune'.
La caisse de bord a été perdue en mer.
The ship's cash box was lost at sea.
Nautical/historical context.
Il nous a fait une caisse pour un rien.
He made a big fuss over nothing.
Rare idiom 'en faire une caisse'.
L'instrument possède une caisse étroite.
The instrument has a narrow body.
Luthiery terminology.
Le flux de caisse est surveillé de près.
The cash flow is closely monitored.
Direct translation of 'cash flow'.
Elle a été nommée à la direction de la caisse.
She was appointed to the management of the fund.
Institutional hierarchy.
Le bruit de la caisse claire résonnait.
The sound of the snare drum echoed.
Evocative literary style.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A checkout for people with disabilities or pregnant women.
Veuillez laisser la caisse prioritaire libre.
— A sounding board or resonance chamber.
Le violon a une grande caisse de résonance.
— A homemade gravity-powered racing car.
Les enfants font la course en caisse à savon.
— The petty cash kept on a ship or during a trip.
On pioche dans la caisse de bord pour le dîner.
Often Confused With
Means 'the case' (situation). Pronounced 'kah'.
Means 'the breakage' or 'scrapyard'. Pronounced with an 'ah' sound.
Means 'the hut' or 'square'. Pronounced 'kahz'.
Idioms & Expressions
— To pay the bill, or figuratively, to suffer the consequences.
Après ses bêtises, il va devoir passer à la caisse.
Neutral/Figurative— To have high physical endurance or lung capacity.
Pour courir un marathon, il faut avoir de la caisse.
Informal/Sport— To make a big deal out of something small; to overact.
Arrête d'en faire une caisse, ce n'est qu'une égratignure !
Informal— To get very drunk (regional/dated).
Ils se sont tapé une caisse hier soir.
Very informal— Something that amplifies an idea or news.
Les réseaux sociaux sont une caisse de résonance pour les rumeurs.
Formal/Metaphorical— To go full speed or put in maximum effort (slang).
Il a mis la caisse pour finir son travail.
Slang— To drum up support or make a lot of noise about something.
Le politicien bat la caisse pour son nouveau projet.
Literary— Illegal or secret funds used for bribes or unofficial payments.
L'argent provenait d'une caisse noire.
JournalisticEasily Confused
Both are containers.
A 'valise' is for clothes/travel; a 'caisse' is for goods/shipping.
Je fais ma valise pour Paris.
Both mean box.
'Boîte' is generic; 'caisse' is usually larger, sturdier, or wooden.
Une boîte de chocolats.
Both are places in a shop.
'Comptoir' is the counter; 'caisse' is specifically where the money is handled.
S'accouder au comptoir du bar.
Both involve service/payment.
'Guichet' is a window (bank/train station); 'caisse' is a register (supermarket).
Retirer un billet au guichet.
Both can hold money.
'Coffre' is a safe or a trunk; 'caisse' is a register or a fund.
L'or est dans le coffre-fort.
Sentence Patterns
Où est la [noun] ?
Où est la caisse ?
Il faut [verb] à la caisse.
Il faut payer à la caisse.
C'est une [adjective] caisse.
C'est une belle caisse.
[Subject] a de la caisse.
Le cycliste a de la caisse.
Passer à la caisse pour [noun].
Passer à la caisse pour ses crimes.
Faire caisse commune avec [person].
Faire caisse commune avec son épouse.
Je vais à la [noun].
Je vais à la caisse.
Une caisse de [noun].
Une caisse de bière.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in daily life.
-
Le caisse
→
La caisse
Caisse is a feminine noun. Using the masculine article is a common gender error.
-
Ma caisse est avocat.
→
Mon affaire est chez l'avocat.
You cannot use 'caisse' to mean a legal case.
-
Je paie sur la caisse.
→
Je paie à la caisse.
The preposition 'à' is used for the location of payment.
-
Une caisse de vêtements.
→
Une valise de vêtements.
For clothes and travel, 'valise' is the correct term.
-
Il a cassé la caisse.
→
Il a cassé la voiture.
While 'caisse' means car, 'casser la caisse' is less common than 'avoir un accident'.
Tips
Shopping Tip
Always look for the 'Caisses' sign when you finish shopping. In large stores, there may be 'caisses rapides' for fewer than 10 items.
Cool Car
If a friend gets a nice new car, you can say 'Quelle belle caisse !' to sound more native.
Gender Reminder
Associate 'la caisse' with 'la monnaie' (change) – both are feminine and found together.
Short and Sweet
The word is one quick syllable. Don't drag it out. It should sound like 'kess'.
Social Security
Understand that 'la caisse' often refers to the social security system in political discussions.
Drummers
If you play drums, you'll need to know 'la caisse claire' (snare) and 'la grosse caisse' (bass drum).
Business
In business, 'le flux de caisse' is the literal translation of 'cash flow'.
History
Remember it comes from 'capsa' (box), just like the English word 'capsule'.
Fitness
If you are out of breath, you might say 'Je n'ai plus de caisse' (I have no more stamina).
Not a Case
Do not use 'caisse' for a legal case or a medical case. Use 'affaire' or 'cas'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Case' of 'Cash' at the 'Caisse'. They all start with C and involve boxes or money.
Visual Association
Imagine a wooden crate (caisse) sitting on a supermarket checkout (caisse) inside a fast car (caisse).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'la caisse' in three different ways today: once for a box, once for a checkout, and once for a car.
Word Origin
The word 'caisse' comes from the Old French 'caise,' which was derived from the Provençal 'caissa.' This, in turn, originates from the Latin 'capsa,' meaning 'box' or 'receptacle.'
Original meaning: A container for holding or transporting items.
Romance (Latin)Cultural Context
Calling someone's car 'une caisse' is fine among friends but could be seen as dismissive if the car is old or cheap.
English speakers often say 'checkout' or 'till,' whereas French uses 'caisse' for both the location and the machine.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the supermarket
- Où est la caisse ?
- Il y a trop de monde à la caisse.
- Je passe à la caisse automatique.
- Le ticket de caisse, s'il vous plaît.
Talking about cars (slang)
- C'est une belle caisse !
- Ma caisse est en panne.
- Il a crashé sa caisse.
- Je cherche une nouvelle caisse.
In a warehouse/moving
- Porte cette caisse.
- C'est une caisse en bois.
- On a besoin de plus de caisses.
- Range la caisse là-bas.
At the bank
- Je vais à la Caisse d'Épargne.
- L'argent est dans la caisse.
- Il faut vérifier la caisse.
- Un retrait en caisse.
Sports and Fitness
- Il a une grosse caisse.
- Travailler sa caisse.
- Manquer de caisse.
- Avoir de la caisse.
Conversation Starters
"Pardon, est-ce que cette caisse est ouverte ?"
"Tu as vu la caisse de sport que Marc a achetée ?"
"Est-ce que tu sais où se trouve la caisse de retraite ?"
"On fait caisse commune pour le cadeau de Julie ?"
"C'est incroyable la file d'attente à la caisse, non ?"
Journal Prompts
Décrivez votre expérience la plus frustrante à la caisse d'un magasin.
Si vous pouviez acheter n'importe quelle 'caisse' (voiture), laquelle choisiriez-vous ?
Pourquoi est-il important de 'faire la caisse' honnêtement dans un commerce ?
Imaginez une 'caisse' mystérieuse trouvée dans un grenier. Qu'y a-t-il dedans ?
Pensez-vous que les caisses automatiques vont remplacer les caissiers ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is very informal slang. Use 'voiture' or 'véhicule' in professional settings.
It is the receipt you get after paying at the checkout.
Yes, it is always 'la caisse' or 'une caisse'.
It means to balance the till or count the money at the end of the day.
You say 'une caisse automatique' or 'une caisse libre-service'.
It is a snare drum, a common instrument in a drum kit.
It means to have great cardiovascular endurance or 'big lungs'.
It is the French government office that pays family benefits (CAF).
Usually, 'boîte' or 'carton' is better for small boxes. 'Caisse' implies something more substantial.
Literally yes, but figuratively it can mean facing consequences for one's actions.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Translate: 'The checkout is over there.'
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Translate: 'I am waiting at the checkout.'
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Translate: 'He has a beautiful car.' (Use slang for car)
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Translate: 'The manager is counting the till.'
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Translate: 'The company needs to replenish its funds.'
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Translate: 'A box of apples.'
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Translate: 'Where is the cash register?'
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Translate: 'I need a toolbox.'
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Translate: 'Don't make a big deal out of it.'
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Translate: 'The snare drum is too loud.'
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Translate: 'I pay at the checkout.'
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Translate: 'The checkout is closed.'
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Translate: 'My car is in the garage.' (Use slang)
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Translate: 'He has a lot of stamina.'
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Translate: 'They discovered a slush fund.'
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Translate: 'A wooden box.'
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Translate: 'The cashier is nice.'
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Translate: 'The savings bank is open.'
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Translate: 'We must face the consequences.' (Use idiom)
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Translate: 'The cash flow is positive.'
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Say: 'I am going to the checkout.'
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Say: 'Where is the receipt?'
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Say: 'My car is broken.' (Slang)
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Say: 'He has great stamina.'
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Say: 'We need to pool our funds.'
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Say: 'A box of wine.'
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Say: 'The checkout is over there.'
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Say: 'I'm going to the bank.' (Caisse d'Épargne)
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Say: 'Don't exaggerate.' (Idiom)
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Say: 'Check the cash flow.'
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Say: 'The checkout is closed.'
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Say: 'I pay by card.'
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Say: 'A toolbox.'
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Say: 'He must pay the price.' (Idiom)
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Say: 'It's a slush fund.'
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Say: 'Thank you, cashier.'
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Say: 'Is this checkout open?'
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Say: 'Look at that car!' (Slang)
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Say: 'The snare drum sounds good.'
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Say: 'Empty the funds.'
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Listen and identify: 'La caisse est à droite.'
Direction.
Listen and identify: 'Voulez-vous le ticket de caisse ?'
Common question.
Listen and identify: 'Sa caisse est toute neuve.'
Slang context.
Listen and identify: 'On doit faire la caisse avant de partir.'
Work task.
Listen and identify: 'La caisse de résonance amplifie le son.'
Technical.
Listen and identify: 'Une caisse de pommes.'
Fruit.
Listen and identify: 'Passez à la caisse suivante.'
Instruction.
Listen and identify: 'La caisse de retraite est en déficit.'
Economy.
Listen and identify: 'Il a de la caisse, ce petit !'
Praise.
Listen and identify: 'C'est une caisse à savon.'
Object.
Listen and identify: 'Où est la caisse ?'
Question.
Listen and identify: 'La caisse est fermée.'
Status.
Listen and identify: 'Quelle belle caisse !'
Exclamation.
Listen and identify: 'N'en fais pas une caisse.'
Idiom.
Listen and identify: 'La caisse noire du parti.'
Politics.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'la caisse' is essential for daily life in France. Whether you are paying for groceries at the 'caisse,' talking about your 'caisse' (car) with friends, or checking your 'caisse de retraite' (pension), this word is everywhere. Example: 'Je règle mes achats à la caisse.'
- La caisse primarily means the checkout or cash register in a shop.
- It also refers to a physical box or crate used for shipping goods.
- In French slang, it is a very common word for a car.
- It can represent financial institutions or pension funds (e.g., Caisse d'Épargne).
Shopping Tip
Always look for the 'Caisses' sign when you finish shopping. In large stores, there may be 'caisses rapides' for fewer than 10 items.
Cool Car
If a friend gets a nice new car, you can say 'Quelle belle caisse !' to sound more native.
Gender Reminder
Associate 'la caisse' with 'la monnaie' (change) – both are feminine and found together.
Short and Sweet
The word is one quick syllable. Don't drag it out. It should sound like 'kess'.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More shopping words
cabas
A2A large shopping basket or bag, often made of woven material.
catalogue
B1A complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or systematic order.
étiquette
A2A small piece of paper, fabric, or plastic attached to an item giving information.
garantie
A2Warranty, assurance of quality or durability.
le centre commercial
B2Shopping mall.
ticket de caisse
A2A printed record of a purchase at a store.