Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Drawer in Spanish
Cajón · noun · kah-HOHN
The Spanish word for drawer is 'cajón,' a sliding compartment in furniture used for storage. In the Caribbean and Central America, you may hear 'gaveta' instead. 'Cajón' also has other meanings, including a large box or a percussion instrument.
Pronounce it as kah-HOHN, with two syllables and the stress on the second. The 'j' makes a strong 'h' sound, similar to the 'h' in 'hot.'
Guarda las llaves en el cajón de la cocina.
Put the keys in the kitchen drawer.
drawer in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for drawer, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cajón | drawer | kah-HOHN | Default, widely understood |
| gaveta | drawer | Caribbean and Central America |
How Native Speakers Use Cajón
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Organizing items
Los calcetines están en el segundo cajón de la cómoda.
The socks are in the second drawer of the dresser.
Finding clothing in bedroom furniture.
Kitchen storage
Abrí el cajón y saqué un tenedor.
I opened the drawer and took out a fork.
Getting utensils from the kitchen.
Office supplies
Mi escritorio tiene tres cajones a cada lado.
My desk has three drawers on each side.
Describing office furniture.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cajón
Confusing cajón sizes
Incorrect: Pon la ropa en la caja del escritorio.
Correct: Pon la ropa en el cajón del escritorio.
'Caja' means box, while 'cajón' specifically refers to a drawer — a sliding compartment built into furniture.
Accent omission
Incorrect: Abre el cajon, por favor.
Correct: Abre el cajón, por favor.
The accent on 'cajón' marks the stress on the last syllable and distinguishes it from other potential readings.
Lock in drawer Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Cajón used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cajón in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Guarda las llaves en el cajón de la cocina. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About drawer in Spanish
- What is the difference between cajón and gaveta?
- Both words mean drawer, but 'cajón' is the most universal term across the Spanish-speaking world, while 'gaveta' is primarily used in the Caribbean, Venezuela, and parts of Central America.
- Does cajón have other meanings in Spanish?
- Beyond a drawer, 'cajón' can mean a large wooden box or crate, and it also refers to a box-shaped percussion instrument popular in Peruvian and flamenco music.
- How do you say chest of drawers in Spanish?
- A chest of drawers is typically called a 'cómoda' or 'cajonera' in Spanish, with 'cómoda' being the more common household term.