Translation guide
How to express the action of refilling something in Japanese, depending on what is being refilled (drinks, containers, prescriptions, etc.).
Topping up a beverage, such as tea, coffee, or water, often in a social or restaurant setting.
A common noun/verb used when asking for a second helping of food or drink. For drinks, it implies a refill.
コーヒーのおかわりはいかがですか。
Would you like a refill of coffee?
The verb form meaning 'to get a refill' or 'to have another serving'.
お茶をおかわりしてもいいですか。
May I have a refill of tea?
Literally 'pour and add', used when topping up a drink from a bottle or pot.
お湯を注ぎ足してください。
Please top up the hot water.
Phrase meaning 'free refills', often seen in restaurants.
この店はコーヒーがお代わり自由です。
This shop offers free refills on coffee.
Putting more liquid, gas, or substance into a container that has been emptied or partially used.
General verb for replenishing or refilling supplies, including liquids, gas, or stock.
ガソリンを補充する必要がある。
I need to refill the gasoline.
To refill a container by transferring contents from a larger package, often used for refill packs of soap, shampoo, etc.
シャンプーを詰め替え用ボトルに詰め替える。
I refill the shampoo into a refillable bottle.
To put something in again, to refill. Can be used for liquids or objects.
水を入れ直してください。
Please refill the water.
Technical term for filling or charging a container, often used in industrial contexts.
ボンベにガスを充填する。
Fill the cylinder with gas.
Getting a repeat supply of medication from a pharmacy.
To have a prescription reissued, which is the typical way to get a refill in Japan.
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 had my prescription reissued.
To get additional medicine, often used when requesting a refill without a new prescription.
同じ薬を追加でもらえますか。
Can I get a refill of the same medicine?
Replacing the ink or fuel in a writing instrument or lighter.
To replenish ink, used for fountain pens or printers.
万年筆のインクを補充する。
I refill the fountain pen with ink.
To put gas in, used for lighters or portable stoves.
ライターにガスを入れる。
I refill the lighter with gas.
Can also be used for refilling a pen from an ink bottle.
補充 (ほじゅう) is a general term for replenishing something that has decreased, like fuel, stock, or ink. 詰め替え (つめかえ) specifically means transferring contents from one container to another, often using a refill pack. Use 補充 for abstract or bulk replenishment, and 詰め替え for physical transfer into a reusable container.
ボールペンの芯を詰め替える。
I refill the ballpoint pen cartridge.