Meaning
The kanji 容 (yō) carries a rich set of meanings, primarily revolving around 'containing', 'form', and 'appearance'. It can describe the ability to hold something, much like a container, or refer to the physical shape and looks of a person or object. Additionally, it encompasses the idea of 'admitting' or 'allowing' something. Understanding 容 provides insight into how Japanese conveys concepts related to both inner capacity and outward presentation.
This kanji originated as an ideograph, cleverly combining simpler elements. The upper component, 宀 (uroko-kanmuri), depicts a 'roof' or 'house', symbolizing a dwelling or enclosure. Below it, 谷 (tani) signifies 'valley' or 'chasm'. Together, these elements evoke a 'house in a valley' or 'a valley within a roof', strongly suggesting a space that holds or contains. This visual connection directly underlies its core meaning of 'containing' or 'capacity'. Over time, its meaning broadened to include the 'form' or 'appearance' of what's inside, or even the look of the space itself. 容 has 10 strokes and is taught to 5th graders in Japanese elementary schools, establishing it as a foundational character for many common words.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main on'yomi reading for 容 is ヨウ (yō). This reading frequently appears in compound words, where 容 joins with other kanji to build more complex meanings related to capacity, form, or permission. Many essential Japanese words utilize this reading.
- 内容 (naiyō) — contents, substance. This word uses 容 to describe what is held within something, such as the chapters of a book or the subject of a conversation.
- 美容 (biyō) — beauty care, cosmetology. Here, 容 relates to appearance or form, specifically the act of enhancing one's beautiful form.
- 容易 (yōi) — easy, simple. In this compound, 容 suggests a state where things are 'easily accepted' or 'accommodated' without difficulty.
- 形容詞 (keiyōshi) — adjective. This grammatical term uses 容 to signify words that describe the 'form' or 'appearance' of nouns.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi reading for 容 is い.れる (i.reru), often written as 容れる. This can sometimes be confused with the kanji 入 ('to enter' or 'to put in'), which shares a similar reading. However, when used with 容, 容れる specifically means 'to allow', 'to permit', or 'to accept'. It emphasizes the act of creating space or accommodating something, whether physically or abstractly. While its direct use as a verb is less frequent than its on'yomi compounds, it represents a crucial aspect of its meaning.
- 意見を容れる (iken o ireru) — to accept an opinion. This phrase means accommodating someone else's views.
- 聞き容れる (kikiireru) — to listen and accept. This implies not just hearing but also acknowledging and permitting something.
- 要求を容れる (yōkyū o ireru) — to accept a request. This demonstrates a willingness to accommodate or grant a request.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 容 appears in numerous useful compounds, highlighting its diverse meanings across various contexts.
Related to Contents/Capacity:
内容 (naiyō) — contents, substance, matter
容量 (yōryō) — capacity, volume, storage
包容力 (hōyōryoku) — broad-mindedness, tolerance, generosity
Related to Appearance/Form:
容姿 (yōshi) — appearance, looks, figure
美容室 (biyōshitsu) — beauty salon
形容詞 (keiyōshi) — adjective
容顔 (yōgan) — face, features, countenance
Related to Ease/Tolerance:
容易 (yōi) — easy, simple, light
寛容 (kan'yō) — tolerance, broad-mindedness, leniency
Related to States/Conditions:
許容 (kyoyō) — permission, approval, tolerance
摂取許容量 (sesshukyoyōryō) — acceptable daily intake
Example Sentences
この箱はたくさんの物を容れることができる。
Kono hako wa takusan no mono o ireru koto ga dekiru.
This box can contain many things.
かの女の容姿はとても美しい。
Kanojo no yōshi wa totemo utsukushii.
Her appearance is very beautiful.
テストは容易だったので、みんな高得点だった。
Tesuto wa yōi datta node, minna kōtokuten datta.
The test was easy, so everyone got high scores.
先生は生徒たちの意見を容れてくれた。
Sensei wa seito-tachi no iken o irete kureta.
The teacher accepted the students' opinions.
この小説の内容はとても深い。
Kono shōsetsu no naiyō wa totemo fukai.
The contents of this novel are very deep.
彼はどんな意見でも寛容に容れる人だ。
Kare wa donna iken demo kan'yō ni ireru hito da.
He is a tolerant person who accepts any opinion.
ビルの容量が足りないので、もう一つ必要だ。
Biru no yōryō ga tarinai node, mō hitotsu hitsuyō da.
The building's capacity is insufficient, so another one is needed.
彼女は若いころからその容姿で人気があった。
Kanojo wa wakai koro kara sono yōshi de ninki ga atta.
She has been popular for her looks since she was young.
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'roof' (宀) sheltering a 'valley' (谷). The roof creates an enclosed space, while the valley naturally 'contains' elements like water or mist. This imagery helps you recall that 容 means 'to contain' or 'to hold'. From this fundamental concept of containment, you can logically extend its meaning to 'form' (what is held inside) and 'appearance' (how the contained space or object looks). Imagine a 'container' inside a 'house', shaping its 'contents' and defining its 'form'. This vivid mnemonic of something being held or formed within an enclosure will make the kanji 容 unforgettable.