Translation guide
The English phrase "fill up" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: making a container full, filling a vehicle with fuel, becoming full, and filling out a form. It also includes related expressions for eating until full and filling a schedule.
I'm full (from eating).
Please fill out this form.
To put enough of something into a container so that it is full.
A general verb meaning 'to fill' or 'to satisfy'. Used for filling containers, spaces, or abstract needs.
Fill the cup with water.
A very common and natural phrase meaning 'to make full'. Literally 'make one cup/container full'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
Please fill the glass with water.
Same as above, but can also be used in more formal or written contexts.
Technical term for 'filling' or 'charging', used in industrial or formal contexts (e.g., filling a gas cylinder, filling a mold).
Fill the cylinder with gas.
To put gasoline/petrol or other fuel into a vehicle's tank.
The standard phrase for 'fill up the tank'. Literally 'make full tank'. Used at gas stations.
To become full by itself, without a direct agent.
The most common way to say 'become full'. Used for containers, rooms, schedules, etc.
To complete a form by writing information in the blank spaces.
The standard verb for 'fill in/out' a form. Literally 'write in'.
To eat enough food so that you are no longer hungry.
The most natural way to say 'I'm full' or 'I filled up on food'. Literally 'stomach becomes full'.
To occupy all available time with activities or appointments.
Means 'my schedule is full'. A very common way to say you have no free time.
In English, 'I filled up on snacks' is natural. In Japanese, avoid directly translating 'fill up' as 満たす for eating. Use お腹がいっぱいになる or 満腹する instead.
I filled up on snacks.
満たす (mitasu) is more formal and can be used for abstract things (needs, conditions). is more concrete and conversational for physical containers.
バケツを水で満たした。
I filled the bucket with water.
Please fill it up (with gas).
A more formal or technical verb meaning 'to refuel'. Often used in written instructions or by professionals.
I need to fill up the car.
The bucket filled up with water.
The venue filled up with people.
A slightly more literary or formal verb meaning 'to be filled' or 'to become full'. Often used for abstract things like emotions or the tide.
The moon waxes (becomes full).
A face filled with joy.
Please fill out this form with the required information.
Means 'to fill in' or 'to write in'. Slightly more casual than 記入する, often used for filling in blanks on a form or writing in a notebook.
Please fill in your name in the blank.
I'm already full.
I filled up on bread.
A more formal or written expression meaning 'to be full' or 'to eat one's fill'. Often used in the past tense.
I'm full. (polite)
This week is filled up with plans.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be filled' or 'to be occupied'. Used for time slots, seats, etc.
All my free time has filled up.