How to say "capacity" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 容量ようりょうnounThe common word for capacity as the amount a container or device can hold — think of a tank's capacity or how much data a drive can store. It concerns holding space rather than flow.
- 体積たいせきnounReally the three-dimensional volume of a solid object, measured in cubic units; for 'capacity' it is marginal, and you will seldom want it unless geometric volume is meant.
- 技能ぎのうnounMaps to 'capacity' only in the sense of ability; the word is really about practical, technical skill, so think of a person's trained skill, not amounts, containers, or throughput.
- 流量りゅうりょうnounFits 'capacity' when the amount is a rate of flow or throughput per unit time — water flow, electrical current, or data traffic. For static holding capacity this is not the word.
- 量りょうnoun, noun (suffix)The broad, general word for quantity or amount; it matches 'capacity' only loosely, for how much there is of something, not the specific holding or throughput senses.
Choose 容量 for how much a container or device can hold, 流量 for flow or throughput per unit time, 技能 for ability, 体積 for physical three-dimensional volume, and 量 for amount in general.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 容量ようりょうcapacity
- 体積たいせきcapacity
- 技能ぎのうtechnical skill
- 流量りゅうりょうflow rate (esp. water or electricity)
- 量りょうquantity
- 容積ようせきcapacity
- 力量りきりょうability
- 技量ぎりょうability
- キャパcapacity
- キャパシティcapacity
- 収容能力しゅうようのうりょくcapacity
- 収容力しゅうようりょくcapacity
- 内容積ないようせきinternal volume
- 定員枠ていいんわくquota (for applicants, personnel, etc.)
- 定員ていいんcapacity (of a bus, boat, theatre, etc.)
- 力ちからcapability
- 器量きりょうability
- 器うつわability
- 器きability
- いっぱいfully
See also
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