Translation guide
The English word "matter" has several distinct meanings, from a subject or issue to physical substance. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a topic, problem, or situation that needs attention.
What's the matter? · This is a serious matter. · It's a matter of time.
The most common and versatile word for 'matter' in the sense of a problem or issue. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
Is there some matter?
That's a serious matter.
A broad term for abstract matters, affairs, or things. Often used in set phrases.
That's not my concern (matter).
It's a matter of time.
Used for a specific matter, case, or incident, often in business or formal contexts.
Let's talk about that matter later.
The most natural way to ask 'What's the matter?' in casual conversation. Literally 'What happened?'
What's the matter? You look pale.
A very polite way to ask 'What's the matter?', used in formal customer service.
Sir, what's the matter?
Referring to physical stuff that occupies space and has mass.
organic matter · particulate matter · solid matter
The standard scientific term for physical matter or substance.
Organic matter is decomposed.
A general word for 'thing' or 'stuff', can refer to matter in a non-scientific sense.
Refers to a physical object or body, often used for solid matter.
Expressing that something is of consequence or value.
It doesn't matter. · No matter what. · What does it matter?
The most common casual phrase for 'it doesn't matter' or 'I don't care'. Can sound dismissive.
Can be rude if used directly to someone. Softer alternatives exist.
That doesn't matter.
Means 'it doesn't matter' or 'I don't mind'. More polite than どうでもいい.
Either one doesn't matter (I don't mind).
Pattern for 'no matter ~' or 'regardless of ~'.
Literally 'important thing', used to say something matters.
That's what matters most.
Referring to a bodily fluid from an infection.
The wound is oozing matter.
The medical term for pus or purulent matter.
Matter is coming out of the wound.
Referring to documents, books, or content.
reading matter · printed matter
Direct translations like 「問題は何ですか？」 sound unnatural. Use 「どうしたの？」 (casual) or 「どうかなさいましたか？」 (formal).
問題 (もんだい) is for problems/issues. 事 (こと) is for abstract matters/things. 件 (けん) is for specific cases/incidents, often formal.
It's a matter of life and death.
No matter what you say, I won't change my mind.
Foreign matter is mixed in.
固体の物体。
Solid matter.
No matter what happens, I'll go.
電車の中で読む読み物を持ってきた。
I brought some reading matter for the train.