物
[mo̞no̞]
In Japanese, the phrase for physical things is 物.
物 is used to refer to tangible, material objects that can be touched. It is specifically used to distinguish physical matter from abstract ideas or situations.
Which one should you use?
While 物 refers to physical objects, the word 事 is used for intangible things, such as events, matters or abstract concepts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning 'thing', the reading is typically 'mono'.
Did you know?
- The character 物 is used in the word 動物 for 'animal', which literally translates to 'moving thing'.
- While 物 refers to material objects, the sound 'mono' is also used in the term 'mono no aware', a famous aesthetic concept regarding the pathos of things.
- The word 物 can be used as a suffix to name certain types of people, such as 化物, which means a 'thing that changed form' or a monster.
Examples in context
- 甘えは禁物だよ。You shouldn't expect things to be easy.This sentence illustrates the use of 物 in a figurative context regarding expectations.Tatoeba #183879 by bunbuku, translation #21002 by CK
- お前の物はどこ？Where are your things?This sentence shows how to ask for someone's personal belongings using 物.Tatoeba #10118065 by bunbuku, translation #17110 by CK
- 古い物が好きだ｡I like old things.This sentence demonstrates using 物 to express a preference for old objects.Tatoeba #11344653 by cia_UnitedStatesNa13, translation #11344714 by CK
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are cleaning up a room.
- 美咲 Misakiこの物は誰の？Kono mono wa dare no?Whose thing is this?
- 蓮 Renそれは僕の物だよ。Sore wa boku no mono da yo.That is mine.
- 美咲 Misaki新しい物を買おうかな。Atarashii mono o kaou kana.I wonder if I should buy some new things.
- 蓮 Ren今は必要ないよ。Ima wa hitsuyou nai yo.You don't need any right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 物, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
