How to say "contain" in Japanese

• 含むふくむJLPT N3approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe general-purpose word for 'contain': a whole has or comprises something within it, whether contents, parts, or elements. This is the usual choice for things like drinks containing sugar or documents containing errors.
  このビタミン剤びたみんざいは栄養分えいようぶんを豊富ほうふに含ふくんでいる。↗

  The vitamin pill contains abundant nutrition.
• 宿すやどすCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbFor harbouring rather than merely holding: something latent or intangible dwells within, such as a feeling, potential, or life. Also used for dew held on leaves. Not the everyday word for containers and their contents.
• 留めるとどめるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbRarely the word for 'contain' as such: it means keeping something in position or in place, or limiting it. Its 'contain' sense is essentially holding something where it is, not having contents inside.
  我々われわれはあらゆる学校がっこうを運営うんえいさせ続つづけ、あらゆる教師きょうしを職しょくにとどめておくべきです。↗

  We should keep every school open and every teacher in his job.
• 収めるおさめるJLPT N3approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbFor putting or taking something into a collection or receptacle: including a work in an anthology or catalogue, publishing it, or capturing it on film. 'Contain' here means having something filed or stored within.
  その事典じてんは約やく５０万ごれいまん語ごの単語たんごを収おさめている。↗

  The dictionary contains about half a million words.
• 抑えるおさえるCommon
  ichidan verb, transitive verbThe 'contain' of holding back and keeping under control: curbing an enemy's advance, checking emotions, or containing a fire or outbreak. Choose it when containment means restraint, not contents.

Choose 「含む」 when a whole simply has parts or contents within it; 「宿す」 for harbouring feelings or latent things; 「収める」 for including items in a collection; 「抑える」 for holding something back; 「留める」 is mainly about keeping in place.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 含むふくむto contain
• 宿すやどすto house
• 蔵するぞうするto store
• 留めるとどめるto contain
• 収めるおさめるto include (in an anthology, catalogue, etc.)
• はらむto contain (a contradiction, danger, etc.)
• 抑えるおさえるto hold back (e.g. an enemy)
• ついてるto be attached
• 封じ込めるふうじこめるto contain
• 飲み込むのみこむto be filled with (people)
• 押さえるおさえるto quell