Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'belongings' is most commonly expressed with 持ち物 (mochimono) for personal items one carries, or 荷物 (nimotsu) for luggage and baggage. For possessions in a broader sense, 所有物 (shoyūbutsu) is used in formal contexts, while 身の回りの物 (mi no mawari no mono) refers to personal effects. The choice depends on context: what kind of items, whether they are being carried, and the level of formality.
The most common, everyday way to refer to one's personal belongings, such as items in a bag, at school, or during travel.
The standard word for personal belongings, especially items you carry with you. Used in daily life, school, and travel.
Please write your name on your belongings.
Please check your belongings.
Refers to luggage, baggage, or packages. Often used for suitcases, shopping bags, or items being transported. Can also mean 'burden' in a figurative sense.
My luggage is heavy.
Please don't leave your belongings here.
Literally 'things around one's body'. Refers to personal effects, daily necessities, or items one keeps close. Slightly more descriptive and less common than 持ち物.
I organize my personal belongings.
Used in official, legal, or written contexts to refer to owned property or assets.
Formal term for possessions or property. Used in legal documents, contracts, or when discussing ownership.
This is my personal property.
Items in one's possession, often used in security contexts (e.g., airport checks) or police reports. More specific than 所有物, focusing on what one currently carries.
Specifically for items that are forgotten, lost, or left somewhere.
Something left behind or forgotten. Commonly used in trains, schools, and public places.
I left my belongings on the train.
Lost property, something dropped or misplaced. Often used for items found and turned in to lost-and-found.
Used when talking about belongings in the context of moving, storage, or setting up a new home.
持ち物 (mochimono) refers to personal items you own or carry, like a wallet, phone, or school supplies. 荷物 (nimotsu) refers to luggage, packages, or burdensome items. Use 持ち物 for everyday personal items, and 荷物 when talking about suitcases, shopping bags, or things you are transporting.
English 'belongings' is often used in set phrases like 'gather your belongings' or 'personal belongings'. In Japanese, the natural expression depends on context. Avoid direct translations like 所属物 (shozokubutsu), which is not standard. Instead, use 持ち物, 荷物, or 忘れ物 as appropriate.
Please make sure you have all your belongings.
Common announcement on trains and buses.
I packed my belongings and left.
Make a list of belongings.
所持品検査を行います。
We will conduct a baggage inspection.
Do you have all your belongings? (lit. Are there any forgotten items?)
Turn in a lost item.
Personal effects, similar to 身の回りの物 but slightly more formal. Often used in hotel or travel contexts.
Please keep your personal belongings with you.