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.
This box contains books.
That drink contains alcohol.
Very common and natural for physical containment. Literally 'is inside'. Use for concrete objects in containers.
What does this box contain?
The fridge contains vegetables.
Formal or technical term for containing a substance, often used in scientific or legal contexts.
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.
He couldn't contain his anger.
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.
This plan contains insurance.
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 control oneself; to refrain from expressing feelings or acting impulsively.
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.
It was hard to contain my laughter.
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.
彼をメンバーに含めましょう。
Let's include him as a member. (lit. Let's contain him in the members.)
We need to contain the spread of infection.
It took time to contain the riot.