Translation guide
The English word 'thing' is very broad. This guide focuses on the most common ways to express 'thing' in Japanese, from concrete objects to abstract concepts, and includes natural alternatives to overusing こと (koto) or もの (mono).
Referring to a tangible object, often when the name is unknown or unimportant.
The most general word for a physical object. Can be used in many contexts, but often sounds more natural when combined with other words or in set phrases.
There are various things in this room.
There are many things I want to buy.
Kanji form of もの, often used in written Japanese or compound words. Same meaning as もの.
Refers to goods, merchandise, or articles. More formal and specific to items for sale or trade.
Referring to an intangible thing, such as an idea, event, or situation.
The most common word for an abstract thing, matter, or fact. Used in countless grammatical patterns. Be careful not to overuse it as a direct translation of 'thing' when a more specific word or phrase would be better.
Describing a general situation or circumstances, often in phrases like 'the thing is...' or 'the whole thing'.
Used to nominalize a clause and refer to it as a thing/fact. Very common in explanations.
Referring to one's personal items or belongings.
When you can't remember or don't know the name of an object.
Literally 'that', but often used to mean 'that thing' when the name is unknown or momentarily forgotten.
Referring to a person or animal in a casual, sometimes emotional way.
Very informal and can be derogatory or affectionate depending on context. Often used for 'guy' or 'thing' when referring to a person or animal.
Emphasizing a key point or essential aspect.
A common pattern to say 'the important thing is...'.
Introducing a characteristic or problem related to a topic.
A pattern to explain 'the thing about X is...' or 'what's ~ about X is...'.
English speakers often directly translate 'thing' as こと or もの in every sentence, but Japanese often uses more specific words or omits the 'thing' entirely. For example, 'I forgot something' is naturally 忘れ物をした (I did a forgotten thing) or 何か忘れた (I forgot something), not just ものを忘れた.
I forgot something.
こと is for intangible things (events, facts, concepts). もの is for tangible objects. However, in many set phrases, the choice is fixed. For example, 食べ物 (food) uses もの, while 考えること (thinking) uses こと. When in doubt, check a dictionary for the specific compound.
In casual speech, の often replaces こと to mean 'thing' or 'the act of'. For example, 映画を見るのが好き (I like watching movies) is more natural than 映画を見ることが好き in conversation.
The thing is, I don't have any money.
Using 実は (actually) is more natural than translating 'the thing is' literally.
I left something behind. (lit. I did a forgotten thing.)
この店は品物が豊富だ。
This store has a wide variety of goods.
大切なことを忘れていた。
I forgot an important thing.
That's not the case. / That's not true.
Kanji form of こと, often used in formal writing or compound words.
To reveal the truth of the matter.
Refers to an errand, business, or something one has to do. Often used when 'thing' means a task or appointment.
I have something to do, so I'll take my leave.
Formal term for a matter, case, or issue. Common in business or official contexts.
Let's talk about that matter later.
The fact that he isn't coming might mean something happened.
The nominalizer の can replace こと in many casual contexts to mean 'thing' or 'the act of'.
I like the thing of cooking. / I like cooking.
Means 'situation' or 'circumstances'. Used when 'thing' refers to the state of affairs.
Things have changed. (The situation has changed.)
Means 'one's belongings' or 'things one carries'. Common in signs and instructions.
Please take care of your belongings.
Luggage, baggage, or load. Often used for things you carry while traveling.
I have too many things (luggage).
Personal effects, private property. More formal.
Please put your personal things in the locker.
あれを取ってくれる？
Can you pass me that thing?
Used as a placeholder for a word you can't recall, similar to 'whatsit' or 'thingamajig'.
Do you have that, you know, that thing?
Can be rude if used for people you don't know well.
What a cute little thing. (referring to a pet or child)
Means 'child' but can be used affectionately for animals or young people, like 'little thing'.
This little thing (e.g., a puppy) is very friendly.
The important thing is not to give up.
Loanword meaning 'point', often used for 'the main thing' or 'key point'.
The thing is this. / This is the key point.
The thing about him is that he never gives up.
Literally 'the characteristic of X is...', a straightforward way to express 'the thing about X'.
The thing about this town is that the people are kind.
I have a lot of things to do today.
That's the last thing I want.