Meaning
Contain, form, appearance, or tolerate. Used in many compound words related to capacity, acceptance, or expression.
- 容器 — container
- 内容 — contents
- 収容 — accommodation, housing
- 容赦 — forgiveness, leniency
- 美容 — beauty
- 簡易容器 — disposable container
- 容姿 — appearance, figure
- 変容 — transformation, metamorphosis
The top radical “宀” represents a roof or building, and the inner component “谷” (pronounced yoku) provides the sound. The character conveys meanings like “to contain” or “form,” and is used for both internal and external shapes, including mind, appearance, and volume.
この容器は 再利用できます。
This container can be reused.
彼は 容姿が 整っている。
He has a well-groomed appearance.
The onyomi reading ヨウ (you) appears in a wide variety of compound words, especially related to appearance, containment, or capacity. No common kunyomi is used in modern vocabulary.