At the A1 level, you only need to know 'la caisse' as the place where you pay in a store. It is one of the most important words for surviving a shopping trip in France. You will see it on signs in supermarkets. Think of it as the 'checkout.' You should practice the simple phrase 'Où est la caisse ?' (Where is the checkout?) and understand when a cashier asks you to come to their station. It is a feminine noun, so always use 'la' or 'une.' You might also see it in the context of a 'caisse de pommes' (a box of apples) in a market, but the 'paying' meaning is most critical for beginners.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'la caisse' in more varied daily contexts. You will learn that it refers not just to the counter, but to the cash register machine itself ('la caisse enregistreuse'). You'll also encounter it in basic financial terms, like 'payer en caisse' (pay at the desk). You should be comfortable using it with different verbs, such as 'faire la queue à la caisse' (to wait in line at the checkout). You might also hear the word 'caissier' (male cashier) or 'caissière' (female cashier) and understand that they are the people who work at 'la caisse.'
At the B1 level, you should be aware of the more idiomatic and administrative uses of 'la caisse.' This includes terms like 'la caisse d'épargne' (savings bank) or 'la caisse de retraite' (pension fund). You will realize that 'la caisse' often represents a collective pool of money or an institution. You might also start to encounter the slang usage where 'une caisse' means 'a car,' though you should use this carefully. You should be able to follow a conversation about household finances where someone mentions 'mettre de l'argent dans la caisse commune' (putting money into the joint fund).
At the B2 level, you are expected to master the nuances and common expressions. This includes the figurative 'passer à la caisse,' which means to pay the price for something or to face consequences. You should also understand physical idioms like 'avoir de la caisse,' used in sports to describe someone with great stamina or 'lungs.' Your vocabulary should include 'encaisser' (to cash a check or to take a blow) and 'décaisser' (to spend/disburse funds). You can distinguish between 'la caisse' (the fund/register) and 'le fonds' (the capital/stock) in a business context.
At the C1 level, you use 'la caisse' with stylistic precision. You understand its role in complex financial structures and legal terminology (e.g., 'caisse des dépôts'). You are comfortable with high-level metaphors involving 'la caisse' in literature or political journalism. You can navigate the subtle differences between 'la caisse,' 'le trésor,' and 'la comptabilité.' You also understand the historical etymology of the word, coming from the Latin 'capsa,' and how it evolved from a simple box to a symbol of national financial systems. You can use the slang 'caisse' (car) or 'se taper une caisse' (to get drunk - though very rare/regional) in the right social contexts.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'la caisse.' You can detect and use puns or wordplay involving its multiple meanings (box, car, register, lungs, fund). You understand the socio-economic implications of 'les caisses de l'État' (the state's coffers) in deep political debates. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses and can effortlessly switch between technical banking jargon and street-level slang without hesitation. You master the phonetics and can distinguish it from similar sounding words in rapid, natural speech, even with regional accents.

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

UK /kɛs/
US /kɛs/
The stress is on the only syllable.
Rhymes With
Fesse Messe Laisse Tresse Presse Vitesse Sagesse Tendresse
Common Errors
  • 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

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember the double 's'.

Speaking 2/5

Easy pronunciation, but avoid English 'case' sounds.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though slang meanings can be confusing.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Payer Argent Magasin Boîte Voiture

Learn Next

Caissier Encaisser Facture Monnaie Ticket de caisse

Advanced

Trésorerie Liquidités Solvabilité Exsangue Résonance

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

1

Je vais à la caisse.

I am going to the checkout.

Uses the feminine article 'la'.

2

Où est la caisse ?

Where is the cash register?

Simple question structure.

3

Il y a une caisse là-bas.

There is a checkout over there.

Indefinite article 'une'.

4

La caisse est fermée.

The checkout is closed.

Subject-verb-adjective agreement.

5

Je paie à la caisse.

I pay at the checkout.

Present tense of 'payer'.

6

Voici une caisse de pommes.

Here is a crate of apples.

Using 'caisse' as a container.

7

La caisse est à gauche.

The checkout is on the left.

Prepositional phrase 'à gauche'.

8

Attendez à la caisse.

Wait at the checkout.

Imperative form of 'attendre'.

1

Le caissier travaille à la caisse.

The cashier works at the checkout.

Relationship between 'caissier' and 'caisse'.

2

Il faut faire la queue à la caisse.

One must queue at the checkout.

Idiom 'faire la queue'.

3

La caisse enregistreuse est moderne.

The cash register is modern.

Compound term 'caisse enregistreuse'.

4

Elle a mis les bouteilles dans la caisse.

She put the bottles in the crate.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

5

Puis-je payer par carte à cette caisse ?

Can I pay by card at this checkout?

Interrogative with 'puis-je'.

6

La caisse accepte les espèces.

The checkout accepts cash.

Third person singular present.

7

Il y a un problème avec la caisse.

There is a problem with the register.

Using 'il y a'.

8

Rangez cette caisse dans le garage.

Tidy this box in the garage.

Imperative with 'rangez'.

1

Je dois aller à la Caisse d'Épargne.

I have to go to the Savings Bank.

Proper noun usage.

2

Il a acheté une nouvelle caisse hier.

He bought a new car yesterday.

Slang usage (informal).

3

L'employé fait la caisse tous les soirs.

The employee counts the till every evening.

Idiom 'faire la caisse'.

4

Cette caisse de retraite est bien gérée.

This pension fund is well managed.

Institutional meaning.

5

On a besoin d'une caisse à outils.

We need a toolbox.

Compound noun 'caisse à outils'.

6

L'argent est resté dans la caisse.

The money stayed in the till.

Preposition 'dans'.

7

Il a cogné sa caisse contre un poteau.

He hit his car against a pole.

Slang context for 'car'.

8

La caisse centrale gère les remboursements.

The central office handles refunds.

Adjective 'centrale' modifying 'caisse'.

1

Après ses erreurs, il a dû passer à la caisse.

After his mistakes, he had to pay the price.

Figurative idiom.

2

Ce coureur a vraiment de la caisse.

This runner really has great stamina.

Sporting idiom for endurance.

3

L'État doit renflouer les caisses publiques.

The State must replenish public coffers.

Plural 'les caisses' for public funds.

4

Le batteur frappe fort sur la caisse claire.

The drummer hits the snare drum hard.

Musical term 'caisse claire'.

5

Elle a encaissé le chèque ce matin.

She cashed the check this morning.

Related verb 'encaisser'.

6

La voiture est une vieille caisse rouillée.

The car is an old rusty heap.

Descriptive slang.

7

Il y a un manque dans la caisse ce soir.

There is a shortage in the till tonight.

Business context.

8

Le vin est livré en caisses de bois.

The wine is delivered in wooden crates.

Preposition 'en' for packaging.

1

La Caisse des Dépôts joue un rôle crucial.

The Caisse des Dépôts plays a crucial role.

Specific legal/financial entity.

2

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'.

3

Sa caisse de résonance est impressionnante.

Its resonance chamber is impressive.

Acoustic terminology.

4

Le projet a été financé par la caisse noire.

The project was funded by a slush fund.

Idiom 'caisse noire'.

5

Elle a une sacrée caisse pour son âge.

She has amazing physical capacity for her age.

Colloquial use of 'caisse' for fitness.

6

L'entreprise souffre d'un défaut de caisse.

The company is suffering from a cash deficit.

Technical accounting term.

7

Il a fallu décaisser des sommes importantes.

It was necessary to disburse significant sums.

Advanced verb 'décaisser'.

8

C'est une caisse à savon pour enfants.

It's a soapbox car for children.

Idiom 'caisse à savon'.

1

Les caisses de l'État sont exsangues.

The state's coffers are bled dry.

High-level vocabulary 'exsangues'.

2

Il a fait caisse commune avec ses associés.

He pooled resources with his partners.

Idiom 'faire caisse commune'.

3

La caisse de bord a été perdue en mer.

The ship's cash box was lost at sea.

Nautical/historical context.

4

Il nous a fait une caisse pour un rien.

He made a big fuss over nothing.

Rare idiom 'en faire une caisse'.

5

L'instrument possède une caisse étroite.

The instrument has a narrow body.

Luthiery terminology.

6

Le flux de caisse est surveillé de près.

The cash flow is closely monitored.

Direct translation of 'cash flow'.

7

Elle a été nommée à la direction de la caisse.

She was appointed to the management of the fund.

Institutional hierarchy.

8

Le bruit de la caisse claire résonnait.

The sound of the snare drum echoed.

Evocative literary style.

Common Collocations

Passer à la caisse
Faire la caisse
Caisse enregistreuse
Caisse d'épargne
Caisse de retraite
Caisse à outils
Caisse claire
En caisse
Caisse commune
Caisse noire

Common Phrases

À la caisse !

— An instruction to go and pay.

Tous les clients sont appelés à la caisse.

Caisse prioritaire

— A checkout for people with disabilities or pregnant women.

Veuillez laisser la caisse prioritaire libre.

Une belle caisse

— A nice car (slang).

Regarde cette Ferrari, c'est une belle caisse.

Faire caisse nette

— To clear out all the funds.

Ils ont fait caisse nette avant de partir.

Caisse de résonance

— A sounding board or resonance chamber.

Le violon a une grande caisse de résonance.

Caisse à savon

— A homemade gravity-powered racing car.

Les enfants font la course en caisse à savon.

Caisse de grève

— A strike fund to support workers.

Les syndicats alimentent la caisse de grève.

Erreur de caisse

— A discrepancy in the register balance.

Il y a une erreur de caisse de dix euros.

Caisse automatique

— A self-service checkout.

Je préfère utiliser la caisse automatique.

Caisse de bord

— The petty cash kept on a ship or during a trip.

On pioche dans la caisse de bord pour le dîner.

Often Confused With

la caisse vs Le cas

Means 'the case' (situation). Pronounced 'kah'.

la caisse vs La casse

Means 'the breakage' or 'scrapyard'. Pronounced with an 'ah' sound.

la caisse vs La case

Means 'the hut' or 'square'. Pronounced 'kahz'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Passer à la caisse"

— To pay the bill, or figuratively, to suffer the consequences.

Après ses bêtises, il va devoir passer à la caisse.

Neutral/Figurative
"Avoir de la caisse"

— To have high physical endurance or lung capacity.

Pour courir un marathon, il faut avoir de la caisse.

Informal/Sport
"En faire une caisse"

— To make a big deal out of something small; to overact.

Arrête d'en faire une caisse, ce n'est qu'une égratignure !

Informal
"Se taper une caisse"

— To get very drunk (regional/dated).

Ils se sont tapé une caisse hier soir.

Very informal
"Lâcher une caisse"

— To fart (vulgar).

Qui a lâché une caisse ?

Vulgar
"Caisse de résonance"

— Something that amplifies an idea or news.

Les réseaux sociaux sont une caisse de résonance pour les rumeurs.

Formal/Metaphorical
"Mettre la caisse"

— To go full speed or put in maximum effort (slang).

Il a mis la caisse pour finir son travail.

Slang
"Battre la caisse"

— To drum up support or make a lot of noise about something.

Le politicien bat la caisse pour son nouveau projet.

Literary
"La caisse noire"

— Illegal or secret funds used for bribes or unofficial payments.

L'argent provenait d'une caisse noire.

Journalistic
"Vider les caisses"

— To spend all available money.

Le gouvernement a vidé les caisses.

Informal

Easily Confused

la caisse vs Valise

Both are containers.

A 'valise' is for clothes/travel; a 'caisse' is for goods/shipping.

Je fais ma valise pour Paris.

la caisse vs Boîte

Both mean box.

'Boîte' is generic; 'caisse' is usually larger, sturdier, or wooden.

Une boîte de chocolats.

la caisse vs Comptoir

Both are places in a shop.

'Comptoir' is the counter; 'caisse' is specifically where the money is handled.

S'accouder au comptoir du bar.

la caisse vs Guichet

Both involve service/payment.

'Guichet' is a window (bank/train station); 'caisse' is a register (supermarket).

Retirer un billet au guichet.

la caisse vs Coffre

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

A1

Où est la [noun] ?

Où est la caisse ?

A2

Il faut [verb] à la caisse.

Il faut payer à la caisse.

B1

C'est une [adjective] caisse.

C'est une belle caisse.

B2

[Subject] a de la caisse.

Le cycliste a de la caisse.

C1

Passer à la caisse pour [noun].

Passer à la caisse pour ses crimes.

C2

Faire caisse commune avec [person].

Faire caisse commune avec son épouse.

A1

Je vais à la [noun].

Je vais à la caisse.

B1

Une caisse de [noun].

Une caisse de bière.

Word Family

Nouns

Caissier (cashier m.)
Caissière (cashier f.)
Caissette (small box)
Encaissement (cashing/collection)
Décaissement (disbursement)

Verbs

Encaisser (to cash/to receive a blow)
Décaisser (to disburse/to unbox)
Encaisser (slang: to tolerate/stomach)

Adjectives

Encaissable (cashable)

Related

Coffre
Boîte
Trésorerie
Argent
Paiement

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • 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

Supermarché Argent Voiture Boîte Banque Payer File d'attente Caissier

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.

La Caisse d'Épargne (Major French bank) Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (Public financial institution) The song 'Ma caisse' by various French rappers.

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 questions

No, 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

writing

Translate: 'The checkout is over there.'

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writing

Translate: 'I am waiting at the checkout.'

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writing

Translate: 'He has a beautiful car.' (Use slang for car)

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writing

Translate: 'The manager is counting the till.'

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writing

Translate: 'The company needs to replenish its funds.'

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writing

Translate: 'A box of apples.'

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writing

Translate: 'Where is the cash register?'

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writing

Translate: 'I need a toolbox.'

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writing

Translate: 'Don't make a big deal out of it.'

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writing

Translate: 'The snare drum is too loud.'

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writing

Translate: 'I pay at the checkout.'

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writing

Translate: 'The checkout is closed.'

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writing

Translate: 'My car is in the garage.' (Use slang)

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writing

Translate: 'He has a lot of stamina.'

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writing

Translate: 'They discovered a slush fund.'

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writing

Translate: 'A wooden box.'

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writing

Translate: 'The cashier is nice.'

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writing

Translate: 'The savings bank is open.'

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writing

Translate: 'We must face the consequences.' (Use idiom)

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writing

Translate: 'The cash flow is positive.'

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speaking

Say: 'I am going to the checkout.'

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speaking

Say: 'Where is the receipt?'

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speaking

Say: 'My car is broken.' (Slang)

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speaking

Say: 'He has great stamina.'

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speaking

Say: 'We need to pool our funds.'

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speaking

Say: 'A box of wine.'

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speaking

Say: 'The checkout is over there.'

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speaking

Say: 'I'm going to the bank.' (Caisse d'Épargne)

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speaking

Say: 'Don't exaggerate.' (Idiom)

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speaking

Say: 'Check the cash flow.'

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speaking

Say: 'The checkout is closed.'

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speaking

Say: 'I pay by card.'

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speaking

Say: 'A toolbox.'

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speaking

Say: 'He must pay the price.' (Idiom)

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speaking

Say: 'It's a slush fund.'

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speaking

Say: 'Thank you, cashier.'

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speaking

Say: 'Is this checkout open?'

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speaking

Say: 'Look at that car!' (Slang)

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speaking

Say: 'The snare drum sounds good.'

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speaking

Say: 'Empty the funds.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify: 'La caisse est à droite.'

Direction.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'Voulez-vous le ticket de caisse ?'

Common question.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'Sa caisse est toute neuve.'

Slang context.

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listening

Listen and identify: 'On doit faire la caisse avant de partir.'

Work task.

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listening

Listen and identify: 'La caisse de résonance amplifie le son.'

Technical.

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Une caisse de pommes.'

Fruit.

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listening

Listen and identify: 'Passez à la caisse suivante.'

Instruction.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'La caisse de retraite est en déficit.'

Economy.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'Il a de la caisse, ce petit !'

Praise.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'C'est une caisse à savon.'

Object.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'Où est la caisse ?'

Question.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'La caisse est fermée.'

Status.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'Quelle belle caisse !'

Exclamation.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'N'en fais pas une caisse.'

Idiom.

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listening

Listen and identify: 'La caisse noire du parti.'

Politics.

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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