Translation guide
How to express 'refill' in Japanese depends on what is being refilled: a drink, a container, a prescription, or something else. The most common everyday use is getting a refill of a drink at a restaurant or café.
The customer wants another serving of the same drink, often free or at a reduced price.
The most natural and common way to ask for a refill of a drink (or food) in casual to semi-formal settings. It literally means 'another helping'.
コーヒーのおかわりをもらえますか？
Can I get a refill of coffee?
おかわりはいかがですか？
Would you like a refill?
Kanji version of おかわり, more common in written form but same meaning.
お代わり自由
Free refills
Loanword from English, used in some café chains or trendy spots, but not as common as おかわり. May be understood but sounds a bit foreign.
リフィルは無料ですか？
Are refills free?
Putting more of a substance into a container that has become empty or low.
General verb meaning 'to replenish' or 'to refill'. Used for refilling supplies, liquids, gas, etc.
ガソリンを補充する
to refill gasoline
インクを補充してください。
Please refill the ink.
Specifically means 'to refill by transferring contents into a container', often used for refilling bottles, soap dispensers, etc. from a larger container.
シャンプーを詰め替える
to refill shampoo (into a smaller bottle)
詰め替え用のインク
ink for refilling
Means 'to top up' or 'to add more to something that is still partially full', like adding more liquid to a pot.
Getting another supply of a prescribed medicine from a pharmacy.
In Japan, you usually need a new prescription from a doctor; you can't just 'refill' an old one. This phrase means 'to get a prescription reissued'.
薬がなくなったので、処方箋を再発行してもらいました。
I ran out of medicine, so I got a new prescription.
A simpler, more colloquial way to say you want the same medicine again. Often used when talking to a pharmacist or doctor.
前と同じ薬をもらえますか？
Can I get the same medicine as before?
The item used to refill something, like a lead refill for a mechanical pencil, or a refill pack for a pen.
Refers to a refill lead for mechanical pencils or a refill cartridge for pens.
シャーペンの替え芯を買った。
I bought lead refills for my mechanical pencil.
Noun form meaning 'refill pack' or 'refill product', often seen on packaging for soap, detergent, etc.
Used for refill pages for planners or notebooks (e.g., system techo refills).
システム手帳のリフィル
refill for a ring-bound planner
In Japan, prescriptions are typically valid for a limited time and cannot be refilled indefinitely. You usually need to visit a doctor again to get a new prescription. The concept of 'refilling' a prescription by simply asking the pharmacy does not directly apply.
おかわり can also be used for food, like asking for another bowl of rice or a second helping of a dish. It's a very versatile and friendly word.
to add more water to the pot
詰め替え用の洗剤
refill detergent