Translation guide
How to express 'be full' in Japanese, covering physical fullness (stomach), containers, schedules, and abstract senses.
I'm full (from eating).
The glass is full.
Expressing that one's stomach is full or satiated after a meal.
The most common and natural way to say 'I'm full' in Japanese. Literally 'stomach is full'. Can be used in casual and polite contexts.
I'm already full.
I'm full, so I can't eat dessert.
A slightly more formal or emphatic word for 'full stomach'. Often used in the phrase 満腹です (I'm full).
A more casual, masculine way to say 'full'. Often used among friends.
Describing that a container, room, or space is filled to capacity.
Means 'full' in the sense of being filled with something. Can be used for liquids, objects, people, etc. Often used with だ/です.
Indicating that a schedule, quota, or limit has been reached.
Also used for schedules and abstract capacities. Very versatile.
Expressing that someone or something is filled with an abstract quality like hope, energy, etc.
A literary pattern meaning 'to be full of (abstract quality)'. Used for emotions, atmosphere, etc.
The English loanword フル (furu) is used in specific compounds like フルタイム (full-time) or フルスピード (full speed), but not for general 'fullness'. Avoid saying お腹がフルです.
Incorrect: I'm full.
いっぱい is the most general and can be used for almost any kind of fullness. 満杯 emphasizes a container being filled to the brim. 満員 is only for spaces full of people.
満腹です。ごちそうさまでした。
I'm full. Thank you for the meal.
I ate my fill.
The glass is full of water.
The venue was full of people.
Literally 'full cup', but used for any container or space that is completely full. Slightly more formal than いっぱい.
The parking lot is full.
Specifically means 'full of people', used for venues, trains, etc. Common in signs and announcements.
The train was packed (full of people).
My schedule is full this week.
We have reached full capacity, so registration is closed.
Specifically for seats being full (e.g., restaurant, theater).
This flight is full.
His voice was full of confidence.
The place is full of energy.
Means 'overflowing with', often used for positive emotions or qualities.
Her eyes were full of joy.