Translation guide
The English word "receptacle" refers to a container or holder for something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 入れ物 (iremono), a general term for any container. More specific words exist depending on what is being held, such as 容器 (yōki) for formal or technical contexts, or 受け皿 (ukezara) for a saucer or something that catches drips. This guide covers the main ways to express this concept naturally.
A general word for any object that can hold or contain something.
The most common and versatile word for 'container' or 'receptacle'. Used in everyday conversation for boxes, bags, cases, etc.
この入れ物に何を入れますか。
What will you put in this receptacle?
小物を入れる入れ物を探しています。
I'm looking for a receptacle to put small items in.
A more formal or technical term for 'container' or 'vessel'. Often used for manufactured containers, packaging, or in scientific contexts.
この容器は耐熱性があります。
This receptacle is heat-resistant.
食品を保存する容器を買いました。
I bought a receptacle for storing food.
Refers to a bowl, dish, or vessel, often with an artistic or traditional nuance. Can also metaphorically mean 'capacity' of a person.
この器は手作りです。
This receptacle is handmade.
A shallow receptacle placed under something to catch liquid or hold a cup.
Literally 'receiving dish'. Used for a saucer under a cup, or a tray under a plant pot to catch water. Also used figuratively for something that absorbs a burden.
植木鉢の下に受け皿を置いてください。
Please put a receptacle under the flowerpot.
コーヒーカップを受け皿にのせて出した。
I served the coffee cup on a saucer.
Loanword from English 'saucer'. Commonly used for Western-style cup saucers.
A device on a wall into which an electrical plug can be inserted.
The standard word for an electrical outlet. Derived from 'concentric plug' but now means socket. Note: In Japanese, コンセント refers to the outlet itself, not the plug.
コンセントにプラグを差し込んでください。
Please plug it into the receptacle.
この部屋にはコンセントが二つあります。
There are two receptacles in this room.
Literally 'insertion opening'. A more descriptive term for a socket or jack, used for electrical outlets or other plug-in points.
The part of a flower that holds the reproductive organs, also called the torus.
Botanical term for the receptacle of a flower. Used in scientific contexts.
花托は花の器官を支えています。
The receptacle supports the flower's organs.
The direct loanword レセプタクル (reseputakuru) exists but is extremely rare and unnatural. Use the Japanese words above instead.
入れ物 is the everyday word for any container. 容器 sounds more formal and is often used for manufactured containers, packaging, or in technical descriptions. For a casual conversation about a box or bag, 入れ物 is better.
ソーサーが割れてしまった。
The saucer broke.
USBの差し込み口はどこですか。
Where is the USB receptacle?