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.
Fill the glass with water.
To pack, stuff, or cram something into a container. Implies filling tightly, often with solid objects. Transitive verb.
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.
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).
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.
The room filled with smoke.
A very common phrase meaning 'to become full'. Used in everyday conversation for containers, spaces, schedules, etc.
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.
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.
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.
目に涙が溢れた。
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.
彼は感謝の気持ちを込めて手紙を書いた。
He wrote the letter filled with gratitude.
The music filled his heart.
Fill the vacant seat.
彼はリーダーとしての役割を果たした。
He filled the role of leader.