Translation guide
The English word 'stuff' is very broad and covers physical things, abstract matters, actions, and even the verb 'to stuff'. This guide breaks it down into practical meanings for learners.
Referring to a collection of objects, possessions, or materials without naming them specifically.
The most common and neutral word for 'thing' or 'stuff'. Can be used for concrete objects or abstract matters.
There's all kinds of stuff in this box.
荷物は全部あそこに置いてある。
All the stuff is over there.
More formal or written version of もの. Often used in compounds or official contexts.
貴重品はロッカーにお預けください。
Please put your valuable stuff in the locker.
Means 'this and that' or 'various stuff'. Implies a miscellaneous collection.
机の上にあれこれ置かないで。
Don't leave all that stuff on the desk.
Referring to non-physical things like ideas, information, tasks, or subjects.
The standard word for abstract 'thing' or 'matter'. Use this for tasks, events, or intangible stuff.
やることがたくさんある。
I have a lot of stuff to do.
そんなこと知らないよ。
I don't know anything about that stuff.
Formal/written version of こと. Used in official documents or serious contexts.
Casual way to say 'that kind of stuff'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
そういうの、好きじゃない。
I don't like that kind of stuff.
Casually referring to food, beverages, or consumable items.
Literally 'food', but can be used like 'stuff to eat' in casual contexts.
何か食べ物ある？
Is there any stuff to eat?
For drinks specifically.
Very casual filler meaning 'something' or 'stuff'. Often used when you can't recall the exact word.
冷蔵庫になんか入ってる？
Is there any stuff in the fridge?
The verb 'to stuff' meaning to put something into a container or space forcefully or completely.
Transitive verb meaning to pack, cram, or stuff something into a container.
かばんに服を詰めた。
I stuffed clothes into the bag.
箱に本をぎっしり詰める。
Stuff the box tightly with books.
Emphasizes cramming or stuffing a large amount into a limited space.
Means to push or force something in, often used for stuffing things into tight spaces.
The verb 'to stuff oneself' meaning to eat a lot greedily.
Literally 'eat until full', the most natural way to express stuffing oneself.
ピザをお腹いっぱい食べた。
I stuffed myself with pizza.
Can be used metaphorically for eating a lot quickly, but less common than the phrase above.
朝ごはんを急いで詰め込んだ。
I stuffed down breakfast in a hurry.
Onomatopoeic expression for eating greedily or wolfing down food.
彼はケーキをがつがつ食べた。
He stuffed himself with cake.
Using 'stuff' to dismiss something as unimportant, nonsense, or junk.
Means 'silly/worthless stuff'. Common dismissive phrase.
そんなくだらないものにお金を使うな。
Don't spend money on that kind of stuff.
Means 'junk' or 'rubbish', good for physical worthless stuff.
このがらくたを捨てなきゃ。
I need to throw away this stuff.
Means 'nonsense' or 'bullshit', very dismissive for abstract stuff.
English speakers often overuse 'stuff' as a vague filler. In Japanese, it's more natural to specify the category (もの for objects, こと for abstract) or omit the word entirely if context is clear. Using もの or こと when unnecessary can sound awkward.
もの is for tangible, concrete things; こと is for intangible matters, events, or concepts. Using the wrong one can change the meaning. For example, 食べるもの (things to eat) vs 食べること (the act of eating).
In many cases, you can drop the word for 'stuff' entirely. For example, 'I have stuff to do' becomes やることがある, where こと already implies 'stuff'. Adding extra words like もの would be redundant.
We discussed important stuff.
冷たい飲み物が欲しい。
I want some cold stuff to drink.
スーツケースに荷物を詰め込んだ。
I stuffed all my stuff into the suitcase.
I stuffed the laundry into the drawer.
そんなたわごとを信じるな。
Don't believe that stuff.