Translation guide
The English word 'stuff' is very broad and covers physical things, abstract matters, actions, and even the verb 'to stuff'. This guide breaks it down into practical meanings for learners.
Referring to a collection of objects, possessions, or materials without naming them specifically.
The most common and neutral word for 'thing' or 'stuff'. Can be used for concrete objects or abstract matters.
この箱の中にいろんなものが入っている。
There's all kinds of stuff in this box.
All the stuff is over there.
More formal or written version of もの. Often used in compounds or official contexts.
Please put your valuable stuff in the locker.
Means 'this and that' or 'various stuff'. Implies a miscellaneous collection.
Don't leave all that stuff on the desk.
Referring to non-physical things like ideas, information, tasks, or subjects.
The standard word for abstract 'thing' or 'matter'. Use this for tasks, events, or intangible stuff.
I have a lot of stuff to do.
I don't know anything about that stuff.
Formal/written version of こと. Used in official documents or serious contexts.
Casual way to say 'that kind of stuff'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
I don't like that kind of stuff.
Casually referring to food, beverages, or consumable items.
Literally 'food', but can be used like 'stuff to eat' in casual contexts.
Is there any stuff to eat?
For drinks specifically.
Very casual filler meaning 'something' or 'stuff'. Often used when you can't recall the exact word.
Is there any stuff in the fridge?
The verb 'to stuff' meaning to put something into a container or space forcefully or completely.
Transitive verb meaning to pack, cram, or stuff something into a container.
I stuffed clothes into the bag.
Stuff the box tightly with books.
Emphasizes cramming or stuffing a large amount into a limited space.
Means to push or force something in, often used for stuffing things into tight spaces.
The verb 'to stuff oneself' meaning to eat a lot greedily.
Literally 'eat until full', the most natural way to express stuffing oneself.
I stuffed myself with pizza.
Can be used metaphorically for eating a lot quickly, but less common than the phrase above.
Onomatopoeic expression for eating greedily or wolfing down food.
He stuffed himself with cake.
Using 'stuff' to dismiss something as unimportant, nonsense, or junk.
Means 'silly/worthless stuff'. Common dismissive phrase.
Don't spend money on that kind of stuff.
Means 'junk' or 'rubbish', good for physical worthless stuff.
Means 'nonsense' or 'bullshit', very dismissive for abstract stuff.
English speakers often overuse 'stuff' as a vague filler. In Japanese, it's more natural to specify the category (もの for objects, こと for abstract) or omit the word entirely if context is clear. Using もの or こと when unnecessary can sound awkward.
もの is for tangible, concrete things; こと is for intangible matters, events, or concepts. Using the wrong one can change the meaning. For example, 食べるもの (things to eat) vs 食べること (the act of eating).
In many cases, you can drop the word for 'stuff' entirely. For example, 'I have stuff to do' becomes やることがある, where こと already implies 'stuff'. Adding extra words like もの would be redundant.
We discussed important stuff.
冷たい飲み物が欲しい。
I want some cold stuff to drink.
スーツケースに荷物を詰め込んだ。
I stuffed all my stuff into the suitcase.
洗濯物を引き出しに押し込んだ。
I stuffed the laundry into the drawer.
朝ごはんを急いで詰め込んだ。
I stuffed down breakfast in a hurry.
このがらくたを捨てなきゃ。
I need to throw away this stuff.
そんなたわごとを信じるな。
Don't believe that stuff.