Translation guide
The English phrase "fill with" describes the action of making a container or space full of something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed using various verbs and patterns depending on what is being filled, the manner of filling, and whether the focus is on the action or the resulting state.
To put a substance (liquid, powder, objects) into a container until it is full.
A general verb meaning 'to fill' or 'to satisfy'. Often used for filling containers with liquids or abstract things like needs. Transitive verb.
コップを水で満たす。
Fill the glass with water.
To pack, stuff, or cram something into a container. Implies filling tightly, often with solid objects. Transitive verb.
箱に本を詰める。
Fill the box with books.
Literally 'to put in'. A very common verb used when the focus is on putting something into a container, not necessarily filling it completely. Often used in everyday speech.
カップにコーヒーを入れる。
Fill the cup with coffee. (lit. put coffee into the cup)
A technical term for filling, often used in industrial or manufacturing contexts (e.g., filling bottles, packaging).
ボトルに飲料を充填する。
Fill bottles with beverages.
To describe a state where a space or container becomes filled, often spontaneously or as a result of an action.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be full', 'to fill up', or 'to rise (tide)'. Used for natural filling, like a room filling with smoke or a heart filling with emotion.
部屋が煙で満ちた。
The room filled with smoke.
A very common phrase meaning 'to become full'. Used in everyday conversation for containers, spaces, schedules, etc.
バケツが水でいっぱいになった。
The bucket filled with water.
Means 'to overflow' or 'to be filled to the brim'. Often used when something is so full that it spills over, or metaphorically for emotions.
To express that someone or something is filled with a feeling, atmosphere, or abstract concept.
Used for abstract filling, such as hope, joy, or a certain atmosphere. Intransitive.
心が喜びで満ちている。
My heart is filled with joy.
Often used for emotions that are overflowing, implying abundance. Intransitive.
To put (feelings, effort) into something. Transitive. Often used when someone intentionally fills an action or object with emotion.
Can be used for abstract filling, especially satisfying needs or desires. Transitive.
To satisfy a need, fulfill a function, or take up a space in a schedule or list.
Used for meeting conditions, requirements, or standards. Transitive.
必要条件を満たす。
Fill the necessary conditions.
To fill a gap, vacancy, or blank space. Can be used for filling a position, a hole, or a time slot.
To fulfill a role, duty, or function. Often used for responsibilities or purposes.
満たす (mitasu) is for filling with liquids or abstract things, often to the brim. 詰める (tsumeru) is for packing solid items tightly. 入れる (ireru) simply means 'to put in' and doesn't necessarily imply filling completely. Use 入れる for everyday actions like pouring a drink, and 満たす for more deliberate or complete filling.
English often uses 'fill with' in passive constructions (e.g., 'The room was filled with light'). In Japanese, intransitive verbs like 満ちる (michiru) or phrases like いっぱいになる (ippai ni naru) are more natural than passive forms. Also, for emotions, 溢れる (afureru) is common but implies overflowing, not just being full.
Her eyes filled with tears. (lit. tears overflowed in her eyes)
彼女の声は自信に溢れていた。
Her voice was filled with confidence.
He wrote the letter filled with gratitude.
The music filled his heart.
Fill the vacant seat.
He filled the role of leader.