Translation guide
The English word "contents" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean the items inside a container, the subject matter of a book or document, a table of contents, or the amount of a substance contained.
Referring to the physical items or material inside a box, bag, room, etc.
The most common and natural word for the physical contents of something. Used for boxes, bags, wallets, etc.
Please check the contents of the box.
Could you show me the contents of your bag?
A more formal or technical term, often used in official contexts like shipping, customs, or product descriptions.
Please list the contents of the parcel.
Referring to the ideas, information, or subject matter of a book, document, speech, website, etc.
The standard word for the content or substance of something non-physical, like a book, movie, conversation, or website.
The contents of this book are very interesting.
Can also be used metaphorically for the substance or essence of something, similar to 'content' in a more abstract sense. Slightly more casual than 内容.
Referring to the list of chapters or sections at the beginning of a book or document.
The specific word for a table of contents in a book or document.
I looked at the table of contents and found an interesting chapter.
Referring to the quantity of a specific substance within something, like alcohol content, fat content, etc.
Used as a suffix meaning 'content' for measurable substances. For example, アルコール含有量 (alcohol content), 脂肪含有量 (fat content).
This beer has a high alcohol content.
A suffix meaning 'amount' or 'content', often used in nutritional contexts. E.g., 水分 (water content), 塩分 (salt content).
This food has a high salt content.
内容 (naiyou) is used for abstract content (ideas, information), while 中身 (nakami) is primarily for physical contents. However, 中身 can also be used metaphorically for substance or essence, often in casual speech. For a table of contents, always use 目次 (mokuji).
Please summarize the contents of the speech.
彼の話は中身がない。
His talk has no real content.