Translation guide
This English phrase describes a state where something is full of or contains a large amount of something else, whether physical objects, abstract qualities, or emotions. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on what is being filled and the nature of the filling.
To describe a container, room, or space that is full of physical objects or substances.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be full' or 'to be filled'. Often used for liquids, light, or abstract things filling a space. Can sound literary or poetic.
部屋に光が満ちている。
The room is filled with light.
湖は水で満ちていた。
The lake was filled with water.
Common and versatile expression meaning 'is full'. Can be used for containers, rooms, schedules, etc. Often followed by 〜で to indicate what it is full of.
かばんが本でいっぱいだ。
The bag is filled with books.
会場は人でいっぱいだった。
The venue was filled with people.
Transitive verb meaning 'to fill'. Used when someone or something fills a container or space. Often used in passive form 満たされる to mean 'is filled with'.
コップを水で満たす。
Fill the glass with water.
部屋は温かい空気で満たされた。
The room was filled with warm air.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be filled with' or 'to pervade', often used for gases, smells, or abstract things like tension. Slightly formal.
部屋にガスが充満している。
The room is filled with gas.
To describe being filled with emotions, feelings, or abstract qualities like hope, joy, sadness, etc.
Also used for emotions and abstract things. Often appears in set phrases like 希望に満ちる (filled with hope).
彼の心は喜びに満ちていた。
His heart was filled with joy.
その話は希望に満ちている。
The story is filled with hope.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to overflow'. Often used for emotions that are so strong they feel like they're overflowing. Conveys abundance.
Can also be used for emotions in casual speech, though less common than for physical filling.
胸がいっぱいで言葉が出ない。
My heart is so full I can't speak.
Transitive; used in passive form 満たされる to mean 'to be filled with' an emotion or sense of satisfaction.
To describe a place that is crowded or bustling with people, energy, or activity.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be crowded' or 'to be bustling'. Implies liveliness and activity, not just being full.
通りは観光客で賑わっていた。
The street was filled with tourists.
Can be used for people overflowing a space, emphasizing abundance beyond capacity.
Simple and common for stating a place is full of people.
電車が人でいっぱいだ。
The train is filled with people.
To describe something that is rich in a certain quality, like color, flavor, or meaning.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be rich in' or 'to abound in'. Used for abstract qualities, resources, or characteristics.
この地域は自然に富んでいる。
This region is filled with nature.
彼の作品はユーモアに富んでいる。
His works are filled with humor.
Also used for qualities, emphasizing abundance.
Can be used for qualities, often in literary contexts.
満ちる (michiru) suggests a state of being full, often used for light, hope, or liquids filling a space. 溢れる (afureru) emphasizes overflowing, abundance beyond capacity, often for emotions or crowds. いっぱいだ (ippai da) is the most colloquial and versatile, simply meaning 'is full'.
The verb 詰まる (tsumaru) means 'to be clogged' or 'to be packed tightly', not simply 'filled with'. Using it for 'be filled with' can sound unnatural unless referring to something being stuffed or blocked.
鼻が詰まっている
My nose is stuffed up.
部屋は花の香りで満ちていた。
The room was filled with the scent of flowers.
彼女の心は感謝でいっぱいだった。
Her heart was filled with gratitude.
通りは祝う人々で溢れていた。
The streets were filled with people celebrating.
Her eyes were filled with tears.
その手紙は愛情に溢れていた。
The letter was filled with affection.
My heart was filled by his words.
会場は人で溢れていた。
The venue was filled to overflowing with people.
その料理は風味に溢れている。
The dish is filled with flavor.
The painting is filled with color.