Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Capacity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "capacity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
容量
ようりょう (yōryō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
定員
ていいん (teiin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "capacity" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 容量 and 定員.
In Japanese, 容量 (ようりょう (yōryō)) is typically associated with "capacity, volume" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the maximum amount that something can hold or contain, typically for physical objects like containers, or for digital storage. 日本語では「水筒の容量」「HDDの容量」のように使われます。.
On the other hand, 定員 (ていいん (teiin)) maps to "capacity (of people), fixed number of personnel" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the maximum number of people allowed in a place. A literal translation of "capacity" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "容量"
この水筒の容量は500ミリリットルです。
The capacity of this water bottle is 500 milliliters.
Bilingual Context for "定員"
このエレベーターの定員は10人です。
The capacity of this elevator is 10 people.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この水筒の ＿＿＿ は500ミリリットルです。" (Meaning: "The capacity of this water bottle is 500 milliliters.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "容量" fits here because it means "capacity, volume" in the context of: "The capacity of this water bottle is 500 milliliters.". "定員" represents "capacity (of people), fixed number of personnel".