Translation guide
How to express 'refill' in Japanese depends on what is being refilled: a drink, a container, a prescription, or something else. The most common everyday use is getting a refill of a drink at a restaurant or café.
The customer wants another serving of the same drink, often free or at a reduced price.
The most natural and common way to ask for a refill of a drink (or food) in casual to semi-formal settings. It literally means 'another helping'.
Can I get a refill of coffee?
Would you like a refill?
Kanji version of おかわり, more common in written form but same meaning.
Loanword from English, used in some café chains or trendy spots, but not as common as おかわり. May be understood but sounds a bit foreign.
Are refills free?
Putting more of a substance into a container that has become empty or low.
General verb meaning 'to replenish' or 'to refill'. Used for refilling supplies, liquids, gas, etc.
to refill gasoline
Please refill the ink.
Specifically means 'to refill by transferring contents into a container', often used for refilling bottles, soap dispensers, etc. from a larger container.
Means 'to top up' or 'to add more to something that is still partially full', like adding more liquid to a pot.
Getting another supply of a prescribed medicine from a pharmacy.
In Japan, you usually need a new prescription from a doctor; you can't just 'refill' an old one. This phrase means 'to get a prescription reissued'.
I ran out of medicine, so I got a new prescription.
A simpler, more colloquial way to say you want the same medicine again. Often used when talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Can I get the same medicine as before?
The item used to refill something, like a lead refill for a mechanical pencil, or a refill pack for a pen.
Refers to a refill lead for mechanical pencils or a refill cartridge for pens.
I bought lead refills for my mechanical pencil.
Noun form meaning 'refill pack' or 'refill product', often seen on packaging for soap, detergent, etc.
Used for refill pages for planners or notebooks (e.g., system techo refills).
refill for a ring-bound planner
In Japan, prescriptions are typically valid for a limited time and cannot be refilled indefinitely. You usually need to visit a doctor again to get a new prescription. The concept of 'refilling' a prescription by simply asking the pharmacy does not directly apply.
おかわり can also be used for food, like asking for another bowl of rice or a second helping of a dish. It's a very versatile and friendly word.
Free refills
シャンプーを詰め替える
to refill shampoo (into a smaller bottle)
ink for refilling
鍋に水を継ぎ足す
to add more water to the pot
詰め替え用の洗剤
refill detergent