§ Basic Meaning of 物 (mono)
- Japanese Word
- ～物 (mono)
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- thing, object
The Japanese word ～物 (mono) is a versatile suffix that means "thing" or "object." It's extremely common and you'll hear it often in various contexts. Think of it as a way to categorize or specify what kind of "thing" you're talking about. It can be used for physical objects, but also for more abstract concepts depending on what it's attached to.
§ In Daily Life and Conversations
You'll hear ～物 in everyday conversations for a wide range of items. It's a fundamental part of describing things around you.
これは食べ物です。
This is a food (thing).
Here, 食べ物 (tabemono) literally means "eating thing," which translates to food. This is a very direct and common use.
何か飲み物はいかがですか？
Would you like something to drink (a drinking thing)?
Similar to food, 飲み物 (nomimono) means "drinking thing," or beverage.
§ In Work and School Settings
You'll encounter ～物 frequently in professional and academic environments to refer to documents, tasks, or resources.
会議の資料物を準備してください。
Please prepare the meeting materials (things).
資料物 (shiryōmono) refers to documents or materials. This is a common phrase in office settings.
この研究物は非常に重要です。
This research (thing) is very important.
研究物 (kenkyūmono) can refer to research papers, projects, or findings – the "things" that come out of research.
§ In News and Formal Reporting
Even in more formal contexts like news reports, ～物 appears, often to refer to specific categories of items or evidence.
現場から危険物が発見されました。
Dangerous items (things) were found at the scene.
危険物 (kikenbutsu) directly translates to "dangerous things" and is used for hazardous materials or objects.
盗難物の捜査が続いています。
The investigation of stolen goods (things) is ongoing.
盗難物 (tōnanbutsu) means "stolen things" or stolen goods, frequently seen in crime reports.
§ Common ～物 Compounds to Know
Here's a list of useful compounds using ～物 that you will definitely encounter:
- 果物 (kudamono): fruit (literally "fruit thing")
- 贈り物 (okurimono): gift (literally "sending thing")
- 買い物 (kaimono): shopping/purchases (literally "buying thing")
- 着物 (kimono): traditional Japanese clothing (literally "wearing thing")
- 生き物 (ikimono): living thing/creature
Mastering these common phrases will significantly boost your understanding of spoken and written Japanese. Remember to practice them in context!
Alright, let's break down the Japanese suffix "～物" (mono). You'll see this a lot, and it's super useful for understanding and creating new words. Essentially, when attached to another word, it means 'thing' or 'object' related to that word.
§ What ～物 Means
The kanji 物 (mono) literally means 'thing' or 'object.' When it's used as a suffix, it typically indicates something concrete, tangible, or a specific item that performs a function or has a characteristic. It helps turn verbs or other nouns into nouns that describe a specific type of 'thing.'
§ Common Examples with ～物
- 食べ物 (tabemono): This is probably one of the first you'll learn. 食べる (taberu - to eat) + 物 (mono) = 食べ物 (food, literally 'eating thing').
- 飲み物 (nomimono): Similar to above. 飲む (nomu - to drink) + 物 (mono) = 飲み物 (drink, 'drinking thing').
- 買い物 (kaimono): 買う (kau - to buy) + 物 (mono) = 買い物 (shopping, 'buying thing').
- 贈り物 (okurimono): 贈る (okuru - to give a present) + 物 (mono) = 贈り物 (gift, 'giving thing').
- 読み物 (yomimono): 読む (yomu - to read) + 物 (mono) = 読み物 (reading material, 'reading thing').
これは美味しい食べ物です。
This is delicious food.
何か冷たい飲み物が欲しいです。
I want something cold to drink (a cold drink).
デパートで買い物をしました。
I did some shopping at the department store.
§ ～物 vs. こと (koto) vs. の (no)
This is where it gets interesting, and it's a common point of confusion for learners. All three can sometimes be translated as 'thing' or refer to something abstract, but their usage is quite distinct. Let's break it down:
When to use ～物 (mono):
Use ～物 when you're talking about a concrete, tangible object. Something you can physically touch, hold, or point to. It's about 'physical things.'
この物は何ですか？
What is this object/thing?
When to use こと (koto):
こと refers to abstract concepts, events, facts, or intangible matters. It's about 'abstract things' or 'happenings.'
- Example: 日本に行くことは楽しいです。(Nihon ni iku koto wa tanoshii desu.) - Going to Japan is fun. (Here, 'going to Japan' is an event/abstract concept, not a physical object.)
- Example: 大切なことは、健康です。(Taisetsu na koto wa, kenkou desu.) - The important thing is health. (Health is an abstract concept.)
When to use の (no):
の also refers to an abstract 'thing' or an action, but it's often used as a nominalizer, turning a verb or adjective phrase into a noun clause. It can sometimes overlap with こと, but の is generally more casual and often implies a direct experience or perception.
- Example: ピアノを弾くのが好きです。(Piano o hiku no ga suki desu.) - I like playing the piano. (The 'thing' I like is the act of playing.)
- Example: あの人が歌っているのを聞きました。(Ano hito ga utatteiru no o kikimashita.) - I heard that person singing. (The 'thing' I heard was their singing.)
§ When to use 物 vs. 品 (hin/shina)
Another pair that can cause confusion is 物 (mono) and 品 (hin/shina). Both can mean 'thing' or 'article,' but they carry different nuances.
When to use 物 (mono):
As we've covered, 物 is very general and refers to any physical object. It can be manufactured or natural, valuable or mundane.
When to use 品 (hin/shina):
品 (hin or shina) specifically refers to 'goods,' 'merchandise,' 'articles,' or 'products.' It implies something that is typically manufactured, bought, sold, or has a certain quality. Think of it as 'item of merchandise' or 'quality article.'
- 商品 (shouhin): commercial product, goods. (e.g., 新しい商品 - new product)
- 食品 (shokuhin): food products, foodstuffs. (e.g., 冷凍食品 - frozen food products)
- 手品 (tejinna): magic trick (literally 'hand item/skill').
§ Conclusion
While 物, こと, and の can all translate to 'thing' in English, their Japanese usage is very specific. Remember: 物 for tangible objects, こと for abstract concepts/events, and の for direct actions/perceptions. And use 品 when you're specifically talking about goods or merchandise.
Keep practicing, and these distinctions will start to feel natural. You're doing great!
रोचक तथ्य
物 (mono) is a very versatile word that can be combined with many other words to create new meanings, such as 食べ物 (tabemono - food) or 飲み物 (nomimono - drink).
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
これは私がずっと欲しかった物です。
This is the thing I've wanted for a long time.
あの人は何かを企んでいる物に違いない。
That person must be plotting something.
古い物を大切にする文化は素晴らしいです。
The culture of cherishing old things is wonderful.
彼女はどんな物にも興味を持つ好奇心旺盛な人だ。
She is a curious person who is interested in all sorts of things.
想像上の物を現実にするのが科学の力だ。
Making imaginary things a reality is the power of science.
この本は、人生で本当に大切な物について教えてくれる。
This book teaches about what's truly important in life.
失くした物がどこにあるか、全く見当がつかない。
I have no idea where the lost item is.
子供の頃に集めていた物が、今では貴重なコレクションになった。
The things I collected as a child have now become a valuable collection.
व्याकरण पैटर्न
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"食べ物"
food
これは私の好きな食べ物です。
neutral"飲み物"
drink, beverage
何か飲み物はいかがですか？
neutral"贈り物"
gift, present
これはあなたへの贈り物です。
neutral"買い物"
shopping, things bought
週末に買い物に行きます。
neutral"生き物"
living thing, creature
この池にはたくさんの生き物がいます。
neutral"借り物"
borrowed item
これは借り物なので、大切に使ってください。
neutral"忘れ物"
lost item, something forgotten
電車に忘れ物をしました。
neutral"落し物"
lost property, dropped item
駅で落し物を見つけました。
neutral"でき物"
a growth, a lump, a boil
顔にでき物ができました。
neutral"良い物"
good quality item
これは本当に良い物ですね。
neutralवाक्य संरचनाएँ
[Noun] + 物
これは食べ物ですか？ (Kore wa tabemono desu ka?) - Is this food?
どんな + [Noun] + 物 + が + 好きですか？
どんな飲み物が好きですか？ (Donna nomimono ga suki desu ka?) - What kind of drinks do you like?
[Verb-stem] + 物
何か読む物がありますか？ (Nanika yomu mono ga arimasu ka?) - Do you have anything to read?
[Adjective-i] + 物
これは甘い物です。 (Kore wa amai mono desu.) - This is a sweet thing.
[Adjective-na] + な + 物
これは大切な物です。 (Kore wa taisetsu na mono desu.) - This is an important thing.
[Noun] + の + 物
これは私の物です。 (Kore wa watashi no mono desu.) - This is my thing/my possession.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Native Japanese word.
मूल अर्थ: 物 (mono) originally referred to tangible items.
Japonicसांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
The concept of 'mono' (物) in Japanese culture goes beyond just a physical object. It often carries a deeper emotional or spiritual significance, embodying the idea that all things have a spirit or essence. This is reflected in terms like 'mono no aware' (物の哀れ), which describes a gentle sadness or pathos at the transient nature of beauty.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Describing types of things
- 食べ物 (たべもの): food
- 飲み物 (のみもの): drink
- 贈り物 (おくりもの): gift
Referring to something abstract or general
- 大切な物 (たいせつなもの): something important
- 良い物 (よいもの): good thing
- つまらない物 (つまらないもの): a trifle, something uninteresting (often used humbly when giving a small gift)
Talking about belongings
- 私物 (しぶつ): personal belongings
- 持ち物 (もちもの): one's belongings
- 忘れ物 (わすれもの): lost item
In a store or shopping situation
- この物 (このもの): this item
- 欲しい物 (ほしいもの): something I want
- お土産物 (おみやげもの): souvenir (literally 'souvenir thing')
Discussing things with a specific characteristic
- 古い物 (ふるいもの): old thing
- 新しい物 (あたらしいもの): new thing
- 変な物 (へんなもの): strange thing
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"最近買った良い物は何ですか？ (さいきんかったよいものはなんですか？ - What's a good thing you bought recently?)"
"旅行のお土産物は何を選びますか？ (りょこうのおみやげものはなにをえらびますか？ - What kind of souvenirs do you choose when traveling?)"
"忘れ物をしたことはありますか？ (わすれものをしたことはありますか？ - Have you ever forgotten something?)"
"あなたにとって大切な物は何ですか？ (あなたにとってたいせつなものはなんですか？ - What is something important to you?)"
"一番好きな食べ物は何ですか？ (いちばんすきなたべものはなんですか？ - What is your favorite food?)"
डायरी विषय
もし一つだけ願い事が叶うとしたら、どんな物をお願いしますか？ (もしひとつだけねがいごとがかなうとしたら、どんなものをおねがいしますか？ - If you could have one wish granted, what kind of 'thing' would you ask for?)
普段、持ち物の中に必ず入っている物は何ですか？ (ふだん、もちもののなかにかならずはいっているものはなんですか？ - What 'things' do you always have in your belongings?)
過去に手に入れた物の中で、最も思い出深い物は何ですか？ (かこに手に入れたものの中で、もっとも思い出深いものhあなんですか？ - Among the 'things' you've obtained in the past, what is the most memorable?)
これから欲しいと思っている物は何ですか？ (これからほしいとおもっているものはなんですか？ - What 'things' are you currently wanting?)
大切な人に贈りたい特別な物は何ですか？ (たいせつなひとにおくりたいとくべつなものはなんですか？ - What special 'thing' would you like to give to someone important to you?)
खुद को परखो 42 सवाल
Write a short sentence describing an item you would buy at a convenience store. Use the word ～物 (mono).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私はコンビニで飲み物を買います。 (I buy a drink at the convenience store.)
Write a sentence about something you like. Use the word ～物 (mono).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は甘い物が好きです。 (I like sweet things.)
Write a sentence asking if someone wants something. Use the word ～物 (mono).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
何か食べ物要りますか？ (Do you need something to eat?)
この文で話しているのはどんな物ですか？
Read this passage:
これは私の大切な物です。毎日使います。小さくて、とても便利です。
この文で話しているのはどんな物ですか？
The passage says it is 'convenient' (便利).
The passage says it is 'convenient' (便利).
この人は何が好きですか？
Read this passage:
私は果物が好きです。特にりんごやバナナをよく食べます。健康に良いからです。
この人は何が好きですか？
The passage mentions 'fruits' (果物) like apples and bananas, which are types of food.
The passage mentions 'fruits' (果物) like apples and bananas, which are types of food.
この部屋には何がありますか？
Read this passage:
この部屋には色々な物があります。机の上には本やペン、椅子の上にはかばんがあります。
この部屋には何がありますか？
The passage states 'there are various things' (色々な物) in the room.
The passage states 'there are various things' (色々な物) in the room.
この___はとても美味しいです。 Kono ___ wa totemo oishii desu. This ___ is very delicious.
食べ物 (tabemono) means 'food', which fits the context of being delicious. 飲み物 (nomimono) means 'drink'. 買い物 (kaimono) means 'shopping'. 贈り物 (okurimono) means 'gift'.
私は冷たい___が飲みたいです。 Watashi wa tsumetai ___ ga nomitai desu. I want to drink something cold.
飲み物 (nomimono) means 'drink', which fits the context of wanting to drink something. 食べ物 (tabemono) means 'food'. 読み物 (yomimono) means 'reading material'. 履き物 (hakimono) means 'footwear'.
デパートで___をしました。 Depāto de ___ o shimashita. I did ___ at the department store.
買い物 (kaimono) means 'shopping', which is a common activity at a department store. 飲み物 (nomimono) means 'drink'. 食べ物 (tabemono) means 'food'. 贈り物 (okurimono) means 'gift'.
誕生日に___をもらいました。 Tanjōbi ni ___ o moraimashita. I received a ___ for my birthday.
贈り物 (okurimono) means 'gift', which is commonly received on a birthday. 食べ物 (tabemono) means 'food'. 飲み物 (nomimono) means 'drink'. 買い物 (kaimono) means 'shopping'.
これは面白い___です。 Kore wa omoshiroi ___ desu. This is an interesting ___.
読み物 (yomimono) means 'reading material', which fits the description of being 'interesting'. 食べ物 (tabemono) means 'food'. 飲み物 (nomimono) means 'drink'. 贈り物 (okurimono) means 'gift'.
玄関に___を置いてください。 Genkan ni ___ o oite kudasai. Please put your ___ at the entrance.
履き物 (hakimono) means 'footwear', which is typically left at the entrance in Japanese homes. 食べ物 (tabemono) means 'food'. 飲み物 (nomimono) means 'drink'. 贈り物 (okurimono) means 'gift'.
This is a food item.
The drinks are over there.
Is there something you want?
Read this aloud:
これは何ですか？
Focus: nani desu ka
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
あの建物は古い物です。
Focus: ano tatemono wa furui mono desu
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
食べ物は好きですか？
Focus: tabemono wa suki desu ka
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a Japanese supermarket. Write a short sentence asking where to find 'fruit things'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
果物売り場はどこですか？ (Where is the fruit section?)
Imagine you received a present. Write a sentence saying, 'Thank you for the nice thing.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
素敵な物をありがとうございます。 (Thank you for the wonderful thing.)
You want to buy something to drink. Write a simple sentence asking for 'something to drink'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
飲み物をください。 (Please give me something to drink.)
What is '飲み物'?
Read this passage:
これは食べ物ですか？ いいえ、これは飲み物です。
What is '飲み物'?
The passage states 'これは食べ物ですか？ (Is this food?) いいえ、これは飲み物です。 (No, this is a drink.)' indicating 飲み物 means 'something to drink'.
The passage states 'これは食べ物ですか？ (Is this food?) いいえ、これは飲み物です。 (No, this is a drink.)' indicating 飲み物 means 'something to drink'.
What is the speaker's favorite '物' (thing)?
Read this passage:
私の好きな物は、日本の漫画です。毎日読みます。
What is the speaker's favorite '物' (thing)?
The passage says '私の好きな物は、日本の漫画です。(My favorite thing is Japanese manga.)'
The passage says '私の好きな物は、日本の漫画です。(My favorite thing is Japanese manga.)'
What does the speaker think about the '白い物' (white thing)?
Read this passage:
この白い物は、何ですか？ とてもきれいです。
What does the speaker think about the '白い物' (white thing)?
The passage says 'とてもきれいです。(It's very pretty.)'
The passage says 'とてもきれいです。(It's very pretty.)'
この___は何ですか。 (Kono ___ wa nan desu ka?)
Here, '物' (mono) refers to a physical object. The question asks 'What is this object?'
お土産に何か___を買って帰ります。 (Omiyage ni nanika ___ o katte kaerimasu.)
'何か物' (nanika mono) means 'some kind of thing' or 'something' (referring to an object) to buy as a souvenir.
これは大事な___なので、なくさないでください。 (Kore wa daiji na ___ nanode, nakusanai de kudasai.)
'大事な物' (daiji na mono) means 'important thing/object'. The sentence translates to 'This is an important thing, so please don't lose it.'
彼の言っている___が理解できません。 (Kare no itteiru ___ ga rikai dekimasen.)
While '物' refers to physical objects, '事' (koto) refers to abstract things, matters, or facts. In this context, 'his words' or 'what he is saying' is an abstract concept. However, '言葉' (kotoba) would be more precise here if it were an option. Given the options, '事' is the best fit for 'what he is saying/the matter he's talking about' in an abstract sense, but it does show the nuance between '物' and '事'. If the intent was for '物' to be the answer, the sentence structure would likely need to be different to imply a physical object that he is speaking about.
棚の上の___を取ってください。 (Tana no ue no ___ o totte kudasai.)
'棚の上の物' (tana no ue no mono) refers to a physical object on the shelf. The sentence means 'Please take the thing on the shelf.'
この___はどこで買いましたか。 (Kono ___ wa doko de kaimashita ka?)
This question asks 'Where did you buy this thing?' referring to a purchasable item, which is a physical '物' (mono).
This food is very delicious. '食べ物' (tabemono) means 'food thing'.
That drink is a bit too sweet. '飲み物' (nomimono) means 'drink thing'.
What did you buy? '買い物' (kaimono) means 'shopping thing' or 'purchased item'.
This sentence asks if there's anything sweet in the refrigerator. '甘い物' means 'sweet thing'.
This sentence means 'This is my favorite food.' '食べ物' means 'food' (something to eat).
This sentence means 'Everything he made was wonderful.' '作った物' refers to 'things he made'.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
संबंधित सामग्री
general के और शब्द
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
