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.
The room is filled with light.
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.
The bag is filled with books.
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'.
Fill the glass with water.
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.
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).
His heart was filled with joy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This region is filled with nature.
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.
My nose is stuffed up.
The room was filled with the scent of flowers.
Her heart was filled with gratitude.
The streets were filled with people celebrating.
The story is filled with hope.
彼女の目は涙で溢れていた。
Her eyes were filled with tears.
The letter was filled with affection.
彼の言葉に心が満たされた。
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.