Translation guide
The English word "things" is very broad and often does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. The best translation depends on what kind of "things" you mean: physical objects, matters/affairs, belongings, abstract concepts, or general situations. This guide helps you choose the most natural Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to tangible, countable objects or items.
The most general word for physical, tangible things. Can be used in many contexts.
Is there anything in this box?
He always collects strange things.
Refers to goods, articles, or merchandise. Often used in commercial contexts.
Formal term for goods or articles, often used in official or legal contexts.
Referring to non-physical things like situations, topics, or issues.
The most common word for abstract things, matters, or events. Often used in phrases like 'something' or 'anything'.
Referring to one's possessions or personal items.
When 'things' is used vaguely, like 'things like that' or 'and things'.
A casual listing particle meaning 'things like' or 'and such'. Attach to nouns or plain form verbs.
Referring to the way things are, the state of affairs.
Means 'situation' or 'circumstances'. Often used when 'things' refers to the current state.
もの is for tangible, physical things; こと is for intangible, abstract things or events. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural. For example, 楽しいもの means a fun object, while 楽しいこと means a fun activity or event.
Is this some kind of fun thing (object)?
お買い上げの品物はこちらです。
Here are the things you purchased.
避難所に必要な物品を届けた。
We delivered necessary things to the shelter.
I forgot an important thing.
Don't worry about such things.
A slightly more formal word for matters or affairs.
We discussed important things at the meeting.
Refers to errands or things one has to do.
I have things to do today, so I'm going home early.
Common word for one's belongings or things one carries.
Please write your name on your things.
Refers to luggage, baggage, or one's load of things.
I have too many things to carry by myself.
Personal belongings, often used in contexts like school or workplace rules.
Please don't leave personal things on the desk.
I like things like movies and music.
More formal than ～とか, meaning 'things such as' or 'etc.'
I bought things like fruit.
When 'things' is modified by an adjective or clause, use もの for tangible or こと for intangible.
I like sweet things.
If there are things you want to say, say them.
Things are getting better.
Refers to the appearance or state of things, often implying observation.
I'll go check how things are outside.
週末に楽しいことをしよう。
Let's do something fun this weekend.
In many natural Japanese sentences, the word 'things' is simply omitted or implied by context. For example, 'I have many things to do' is often just やることがたくさんある, without an explicit word for 'things'.