Translation guide
The English word 'capsule' can refer to a small container, a pill, a spacecraft part, or a botanical structure. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
capsule (general)
A small, often sealed container for holding something, like a time capsule or a plastic capsule toy.
The most direct loanword for 'capsule' in the sense of a small container. Used for time capsules, capsule toys, etc.
We buried a time capsule.
I like capsule toys.
A more general term meaning 'small container'. Can be used for any small capsule-like container, but less specific than カプセル.
This small container holds medicine.
A small soluble case containing a dose of medicine, swallowed whole.
The standard term for a medicinal capsule. Often used in pharmacies and medical contexts.
Please take this capsule twice a day.
Specifically refers to a 'capsule medicine' or 'capsule formulation'. More technical than カプセル alone.
Capsule medicines are easy to take.
The part of a spacecraft in which astronauts live and work, or which returns to Earth.
Used for space capsules, like the Apollo command module or Soyuz descent module.
The space capsule returned to Earth.
Literally 'return ship', used specifically for the part of a spacecraft that returns to Earth. More technical and less common than カプセル.
A dry fruit that splits open to release seeds.
The botanical term for a capsule fruit. Used in scientific contexts.
The capsule of this plant splits open when ripe.
カプセル is a very common loanword and is understood in most contexts where 'capsule' is used in English. It's safe for everyday conversation about medicine, toys, and space.
The return capsule splashed down safely.