Translation guide
The English possessive pronoun "its" refers to something belonging to a non-human entity. In Japanese, possession is typically shown with the particle の, but pronouns like "it" are often omitted when clear from context. This guide explains how to express "its" naturally in Japanese.
Expressing that something belongs to a specific non-human thing, when the thing is named or clear from context.
Attach の to the noun representing the possessor. This is the standard way to show possession for any noun, including inanimate objects and animals.
その猫の名前はタマです。
The cat's name is Tama. (Its name is Tama.)
This company's products are high quality. (Its products are high quality.)
When the possessor is already the topic or clear from context, Japanese often omits the possessive altogether. This is more natural than using a pronoun.
この本は表紙がきれいです。
This book's cover is beautiful. (Its cover is beautiful.)
When 'its' refers to something already introduced, Japanese often uses その (that) or simply omits the reference.
Use その (that) + noun to mean 'its' when referring back to a previously mentioned thing. This is very common and natural.
新しい車を買った。その色は赤だ。
I bought a new car. Its color is red.
あの建物を見て。その屋根が面白いね。
Look at that building. Its roof is interesting.
If the possessor is clear from context, you can simply state the possessed item without any possessive marker. This is often the most natural approach.
このスマホはカメラがすごい。
This smartphone's camera is amazing. (Its camera is amazing.)
When 'its' refers to an abstract concept, organization, or situation, Japanese often uses その or rephrases.
Even for abstract things, その works well to mean 'its'.
この計画には問題がある。その実行が難しい。
This plan has a problem. Its execution is difficult.
Instead of 'its + noun', you can use a relative clause to describe the noun. This is often smoother in Japanese.
この会社は製品が高品質なことで知られている。
This company is known for its high-quality products.
There is no direct Japanese equivalent for the English possessive pronoun 'its'. Using それの is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural and is rarely used. Instead, use その or rephrase the sentence.
When the possessor is a specific named entity, simply attach の. This is the most straightforward way to express possession for any noun.
東京の人口
Tokyo's population (its population)