含む

• Reading: ふくむ
• Romaji: fukumu
• Kanji breakdown: 含 (gan/fuku) — to contain, to hold in the mouth
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.kɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To contain; to include. Used when something holds or encompasses something else within it.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the む row. Can express physical containment (a drink containing sugar) or abstract inclusion (a price including tax). Often appears in the passive form 含まれる (to be included/contained).

Examples

1. この飲み物にはカフェインが含まれている。 This drink contains caffeine.
2. 税金を含む価格は三千円です。 The price including tax is three thousand yen.
3. この言葉には深い意味が含まれている。 This word contains a deep meaning.

Usage Guide

Context: business, science, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From ancient Japanese. The kanji 含 depicts a mouth (口) with something inside, conveying the idea of holding within.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal