Translation guide
The English word 'filled' can describe a container that is full, a space that is occupied, or a person who is emotionally satisfied. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these different meanings.
コップが水でいっぱいです。
The glass is filled with water.
Describing a container, room, or area that is completely full of something.
A versatile word meaning 'full' or 'filled'. Can be used for containers, rooms, schedules, etc.
コップが水でいっぱいです。
The glass is filled with water.
会場は人でいっぱいだった。
The venue was filled with people.
Literally 'full cup', used for containers or spaces that are completely full, often to capacity.
駐車場は満杯です。
The parking lot is filled.
A more literary or formal way to say 'filled with ~'. Often used for abstract things like emotions or atmosphere.
部屋は花の香りで満たされていた。
The room was filled with the scent of flowers.
Feeling content, satisfied, or emotionally full, often after eating or experiencing something fulfilling.
Means 'satisfied' or 'content'. Often used for emotional fulfillment or satisfaction with a result.
彼はその結果に満足している。
He is filled with satisfaction at the result.
Literally 'the heart is filled', used for deep emotional fulfillment or a sense of being moved.
美しい音楽を聴いて心が満たされた。
Listening to the beautiful music filled my heart.
A noun meaning 'sense of fulfillment' or 'feeling of being filled' with purpose or satisfaction.
Describing something that contains a particular substance, quality, or emotion, often used in more abstract or descriptive contexts.
Means 'to be filled with' or 'to be full of', often used for abstract qualities like hope, joy, or life.
彼女の目は希望に満ちていた。
Her eyes were filled with hope.
その場所は活気に満ちている。
The place is filled with energy.
Means 'overflowing with', implying an abundance that cannot be contained. Used for both concrete and abstract things.
通りは観光客であふれていた。
The street was filled with tourists.
彼の心は喜びであふれていた。
His heart was filled with joy.
いっぱい is the most common and casual way to say 'full'. 満杯 is more specific to capacity limits (like a full parking lot). 満たされている is more literary and often used for abstract or emotional filling.
While 'filled with joy' can be translated as 喜びでいっぱい or 喜びに満ちている, the literal translation 'fill' as a verb (満たす) is less common in casual speech. Use adjectives like うれしい (happy) or phrases like 感動した (was moved) for more natural expressions.
仕事に充実感を感じる。
I feel filled with a sense of fulfillment at work.