Translation guide
The English verb "contain" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on whether you mean physical inclusion, emotional restraint, numerical inclusion, or other nuances.
To have something inside; to hold or include as a part of a container or space.
General verb for containing as a component or ingredient. Often used for abstract contents as well.
この箱には本が含まれています。
This box contains books.
その飲み物はアルコールを含んでいます。
That drink contains alcohol.
Very common and natural for physical containment. Literally 'is inside'. Use for concrete objects in containers.
この箱には何が入っていますか？
What does this box contain?
冷蔵庫に野菜が入っている。
The fridge contains vegetables.
Formal or technical term for containing a substance, often used in scientific or legal contexts.
この製品は有害物質を含有していません。
This product does not contain harmful substances.
To control or hold back an emotion or reaction.
To suppress or hold back emotions, laughter, tears, etc.
彼は怒りを抑えられなかった。
He couldn't contain his anger.
笑いを抑えるのが大変だった。
It was hard to contain my laughter.
To endure or hold back tears, laughter, or physical urges. Often used in the form こらえきれない (can't hold back).
To bear or withstand something, often used in negative potential form 堪えられない (unbearable). More literary.
To have as a component, element, or member of a group.
Used for abstract inclusion, such as features, ideas, or groups.
このプランには保険が含まれています。
This plan contains insurance.
そのリストには私の名前も含まれていた。
The list contained my name as well.
Transitive verb meaning to include something deliberately. Often used when someone adds an item to a set.
To prevent something from spreading or going beyond a certain area.
To contain or confine something, especially a threat like a fire, disease, or enemy.
消防士は火事を封じ込めた。
The firefighters contained the fire.
感染拡大を封じ込める必要がある。
We need to contain the spread of infection.
To suppress or hold down, often used for controlling a situation or opponent.
To control oneself; to refrain from expressing feelings or acting impulsively.
Literally 'suppress oneself'. Common for holding back emotions or actions.
彼は自分を抑えることができなかった。
He couldn't contain himself.
To endure or be patient; often used for restraining desires or impulses.
もう我慢できない！
I can't contain myself any longer!
含む (fukumu) is more abstract and often used for ingredients, components, or non-physical contents. 入っている (haitte iru) is concrete and physical, meaning 'is inside'. For a box of chocolates, you can say チョコが入っている (the box contains chocolates), but if you want to say the chocolates contain nuts, use ナッツを含む (contain nuts).
When talking about a container holding objects, 含む sounds unnatural. Use 入っている instead. For example, 'The bag contains a wallet' should be バッグに財布が入っている, not バッグが財布を含んでいる.
涙をこらえることができなかった。
I couldn't contain my tears.
His grief was hard to contain.
Let's include him as a member. (lit. Let's contain him in the members.)
暴動を抑え込むのに時間がかかった。
It took time to contain the riot.