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.
何か問題がありますか？
Is there some matter?
それは深刻な問題だ。
That's a serious matter.
A broad term for abstract matters, affairs, or things. Often used in set phrases.
それは私の知った事ではない。
That's not my concern (matter).
時間の問題だ。
It's a matter of time.
Used for a specific matter, case, or incident, often in business or formal contexts.
その件については後で話しましょう。
Let's talk about that matter later.
The most natural way to ask 'What's the matter?' in casual conversation. Literally 'What happened?'
どうしたの？顔色が悪いよ。
What's the matter? You look pale.
A very polite way to ask 'What's the matter?', used in formal customer service.
お客様、どうかなさいましたか？
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.
有機物質は分解される。
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.
そんなことはどうでもいい。
That doesn't matter.
Means 'it doesn't matter' or 'I don't mind'. More polite than どうでもいい.
どちらでも構いません。
Either one doesn't matter (I don't mind).
Pattern for 'no matter ~' or 'regardless of ~'.
何があっても関係なく、行く。
No matter what happens, I'll go.
Literally 'important thing', used to say something matters.
それが一番大事なことだ。
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.
傷口から膿が出ている。
Matter is coming out of the wound.
Referring to documents, books, or content.
reading matter · printed matter
General term for materials, documents, or data.
会議の資料を配布した。
I distributed the meeting matter (materials).
Specifically refers to reading matter or things to read.
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.
死活問題だ。
It's a matter of life and death.
何を言われても、私は考えを変えません。
No matter what you say, I won't change my mind.
Foreign matter is mixed in.
固体の物体。
Solid matter.
電車の中で読む読み物を持ってきた。
I brought some reading matter for the train.