Translation guide
The English word "capacity" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean physical holding ability, mental ability, role, or maximum output.
The maximum amount something can hold or contain.
Most common word for the capacity of a container, hard drive, battery, etc. Focuses on volume or data size.
This battery has a capacity of 5000mAh.
The hard disk capacity is full.
Used for the capacity of a venue, stadium, or facility to hold people. More formal.
This stadium has a capacity of 50,000 people.
The fixed number of people allowed (e.g., in an elevator, car, or room). Often seen on signs.
The elevator capacity is 10 persons.
The ability to understand, learn, or do something.
General word for ability or capability. Works for intellectual or physical capacity.
He has the capacity to handle that job.
Loanword from English. Often used in business contexts for mental bandwidth or workload limit.
Literally 'allowable amount', used for mental or emotional tolerance capacity.
The official position or function someone holds.
The maximum amount that can be produced or processed.
容量 (capacity of a container) cannot be used for a person's mental ability. Use 能力 instead.
He has a large capacity. (unnatural)
容量 is for volume/data; 収容能力 is for holding people in a large venue; 定員 is the fixed number of people allowed in a vehicle or room.
Children's learning capacity is amazing.
今は新しいプロジェクトを始めるキャパシティがない。
I don't have the capacity to start a new project right now.
ストレスの許容量を超えた。
I exceeded my capacity for stress.
He gave his opinion in his capacity as an expert.
We need to increase the server's processing capacity.