Translation guide
The topic, content, or theme being discussed, studied, or dealt with.
話題は何ですか？
What is the subject matter?
The main idea or subject being talked or written about.
Common word for 'topic' or 'subject of conversation'. Used in everyday speech.
今日の会議の話題は何ですか？
What is the subject matter of today's meeting?
Loanword from German 'Thema', meaning 'theme' or 'subject'. Common in both casual and formal contexts.
この小説のテーマは愛と喪失です。
The subject matter of this novel is love and loss.
More formal term for 'subject' or 'theme', often used in academic or artistic contexts.
論文の主題を明確にしてください。
Please clarify the subject matter of your thesis.
Refers to 'subject matter' as material for a work of art, literature, or film.
この映画の題材は歴史的な事件です。
The subject matter of this movie is a historical event.
The actual information or material contained in something.
General word for 'content' or 'substance'. Used for books, documents, websites, etc.
この本の内容は難しいです。
The subject matter of this book is difficult.
Literally 'contents', often used for physical contents or the substance of something. More casual than 内容.
A particular branch of knowledge or study.
Means 'specialized field' or 'area of expertise'. Used for academic or professional subjects.
彼の専門分野は物理学です。
His subject matter is physics.
Refers to a school subject or course of study.
話題 (わだい) is the most common word for 'topic' in conversation. テーマ is a loanword often used for the central theme of a creative work or event. 主題 (しゅだい) is more formal and used in academic or artistic analysis.
The phrase 'subject matter' is often translated as 内容 (ないよう) when referring to the content of a book or document, not as a direct combination of 'subject' and 'matter'.
Please check the subject matter (contents) of the box.
What is your favorite subject matter?