Translation guide
In Japanese, there is no single word that directly translates to 'armful'. Instead, you describe the quantity by using phrases that mean 'an amount you can hold in your arms' or 'as much as you can carry in your arms'. The most common way is to use the counter 抱え (かかえ) or the phrase 腕いっぱい (うでいっぱい).
Expressing the quantity of something that can be held in one's arms, such as firewood, books, or laundry.
The counter 抱え (かかえ) is attached to a noun to indicate 'an armful of' that thing. It literally means 'a carrying in the arms'. This is the most direct and common way to express 'armful'.
He carried an armful of firewood.
Literally 'arms full of ~'. This phrase emphasizes the fullness of one's arms. It is slightly more colloquial and descriptive than 抱え.
He was holding an armful of flowers.
Literally 'both hands full of ~'. Similar to 腕いっぱい, but focuses on the hands rather than the arms. Used when the hands are visibly full.
Means 'so much that you can't hold it all in your arms'. Used when the quantity exceeds an armful, emphasizing abundance.
He received more presents than he could carry (armfuls of presents).
The counter 抱え (かかえ) is the most precise equivalent to 'armful'. It can be used with numbers: 一抱え (ひとかかえ) = one armful, 二抱え (ふたかかえ) = two armfuls. However, in casual speech, 腕いっぱい is more common.
one armful of firewood
There is no single noun 'armful' in Japanese. Do not try to translate it as a standalone word. Always use a phrase describing the quantity held in the arms.
She came into the room carrying an armful of books.
The children came home with armfuls of candy.
She was carrying armfuls of shopping bags.