How to say "container" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 容器ようきnounThe all-purpose word for a container: any object that holds or packs something, such as a bottle or jar. When you simply mean 'container' in the physical sense, this is the default choice.
- nounA loanword for a box-shaped container or bin. It fits when the thing is literally a box or bin; for containers in general it is narrower than 容器.
- nounThe word for large shipping and freight containers, and for a skip (a large waste container). Not the word for small everyday containers — use 容器 or 入れ物 for those.
- 入れ物いれものnounFrames it as 'something to put things into', emphasizing function over form. Natural when you need or look for a receptacle, such as a case for the items at hand.
- 器物きぶつnounA term for vessels and receptacles as objects; for the everyday sense of 'container' it is seldom the word you want — 容器 or 入れ物 is the usual choice.
Use 容器 for a container in general, 「入れ物」 when stressing something to put things into, 「ボックス」 for box-shaped bins, 「コンテナ」 for shipping containers and skips, and 器物 mainly for vessels.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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