How to Say "Things to Do" in Japanese

やること

yaru koto

The English phrase "things to do" is translated into Japanese as やること (yaru koto).

やること refers to a list of tasks or activities that a person needs to complete.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the verb 'yaru' (to do) in its dictionary form and the noun こと (thing/matter).

While やること is common in daily speech, すべきこと is a more formal or serious way to express duties or things that ought to be done.

Adding the katakana word リスト (list) to the phrase creates the Japanese equivalent of "to-do list", resulting in やることリスト.

yaru koto

Depending on the region and social group, やる can also mean 'to give' when the recipient is of lower status, such as a pet or a plant.
Japanese people may use the word 宿題 meaning 'homework' metaphorically to describe any 'things to do' or unresolved issues that must be dealt with in a relationship or business deal.
If your 'things to do' are incredibly overwhelming, you might describe them as 山積み (yamazumi), which literally means 'piled up like a mountain'.

やることが多すぎる。
There are too many things to do.
This sentence is useful for expressing that the amount of やること is excessive.
Tatoeba #12132544 by small_snow, translation #11026194 by CK
他にやることがあるの。
I have other things to do.
This sentence is useful for stating that you have other やること.
Tatoeba #10741237 by small_snow, translation #10736525 by ddnktr
やることが山ほどある。
I have a ton of things to do.
This sentence is useful for emphasizing that you have a huge amount of やること.
Tatoeba #11285661 by small_snow, translation #5138738 by AlanF_US
11 more sentences on Tatoeba

Misaki and Hiroto are checking their schedules before the weekend.

美咲 Misaki

今週のやることリスト、作った？
Konshuu no yaru koto risuto, tsukutta?
Did you make a to-do list for this week?
大翔 Hiroto

まだだよ。やることが全然決まってない。
Mada dayo. Yaru koto ga zenzen kimattenai.
Not yet. I haven't decided on the things to do at all.
美咲 Misaki

週末のやることが整理されてると楽だよ。
Shuumatsu no yaru koto ga seiri sarete iru to raku dayo.
It's easier if the things to do for the weekend are organized.
大翔 Hiroto

そうだね。一緒に考えようか。
Sou dane. Issho ni kangaeyou ka.
You're right. Shall we think about them together?

Sources

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