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.
What will you put in this receptacle?
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.
This receptacle is heat-resistant.
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.
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.
Please put a receptacle under the flowerpot.
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.
Please plug it into the receptacle.
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.
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.
I served the coffee cup on a saucer.
ソーサーが割れてしまった。
The saucer broke.
There are two receptacles in this room.
Where is the USB receptacle?