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.
この箱の中に何か物が入っていますか？
Is there anything in this box?
彼はいつも変わった物を集めている。
He always collects strange things.
Refers to goods, articles, or merchandise. Often used in commercial contexts.
お買い上げの品物はこちらです。
Here are the things you purchased.
Formal term for goods or articles, often used in official or legal contexts.
避難所に必要な物品を届けた。
We delivered necessary things to the shelter.
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'.
大事なことを忘れていた。
I forgot an important thing.
そんなこと気にしないで。
Don't worry about such things.
A slightly more formal word for matters or affairs.
Refers to errands or things one has to do.
Referring to one's possessions or personal items.
Common word for one's belongings or things one carries.
自分の持ち物には名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on your things.
Refers to luggage, baggage, or one's load of things.
Personal belongings, often used in contexts like school or workplace rules.
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.
映画とか音楽とかが好きです。
I like things like movies and music.
More formal than ～とか, meaning 'things such as' or 'etc.'
果物などを買いました。
I bought things like fruit.
When 'things' is modified by an adjective or clause, use もの for tangible or こと for intangible.
甘いものが好きです。
I like sweet things.
言いたいことがあるなら言って。
If there are things you want to say, say them.
Referring to the way things are, the state of affairs.
Means 'situation' or 'circumstances'. Often used when 'things' refers to the current state.
状況は良くなっている。
Things are getting better.
Refers to the appearance or state of things, often implying observation.
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.
これは何か楽しいものですか？
Is this some kind of fun thing (object)?
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'.
会議で重要な事柄について話し合った。
We discussed important things at the meeting.
I have things to do today, so I'm going home early.
I have too many things to carry by myself.
Please don't leave personal things on the desk.
I'll go check how things are outside.