Translation guide
The English word "contents" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean the items inside a container, the subject matter of a book or document, a table of contents, or the amount of a substance contained.
Referring to the physical items or material inside a box, bag, room, etc.
The most common and natural word for the physical contents of something. Used for boxes, bags, wallets, etc.
箱の中身を確認してください。
Please check the contents of the box.
かばんの中身を見せてもらえますか？
Could you show me the contents of your bag?
A more formal or technical term, often used in official contexts like shipping, customs, or product descriptions.
小包の内容物を記載してください。
Please list the contents of the parcel.
Referring to the ideas, information, or subject matter of a book, document, speech, website, etc.
The standard word for the content or substance of something non-physical, like a book, movie, conversation, or website.
この本の内容はとても興味深いです。
The contents of this book are very interesting.
スピーチの内容をまとめてください。
Please summarize the contents of the speech.
Can also be used metaphorically for the substance or essence of something, similar to 'content' in a more abstract sense. Slightly more casual than 内容.
Referring to the list of chapters or sections at the beginning of a book or document.
The specific word for a table of contents in a book or document.
目次を見て、興味のある章を探しました。
I looked at the table of contents and found an interesting chapter.
Referring to the quantity of a specific substance within something, like alcohol content, fat content, etc.
Used as a suffix meaning 'content' for measurable substances. For example, アルコール含有量 (alcohol content), 脂肪含有量 (fat content).
このビールはアルコール含有量が高い。
This beer has a high alcohol content.
A suffix meaning 'amount' or 'content', often used in nutritional contexts. E.g., 水分 (water content), 塩分 (salt content).
この食品は塩分が多い。
This food has a high salt content.
内容 (naiyou) is used for abstract content (ideas, information), while 中身 (nakami) is primarily for physical contents. However, 中身 can also be used metaphorically for substance or essence, often in casual speech. For a table of contents, always use 目次 (mokuji).
His talk has no real content.