115
物
Thing, Object
もの (mono)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
According to the Japanese folk belief of Tsukumogami (付喪神), ordinary household objects can come to life after serving faithfully for 100 years. 🪭🫖 Umbrellas, lanterns, sandals, and even teapots are said to awaken with their own personalities. This legend reminds people to respect their belongings instead of carelessly throwing them away. In Japanese culture, a simple 物 (thing) isn't always "just an object"—it may have a story or even a spirit of its own.
Memory Trick
物🐄 A cow starts a delivery company. Every day it delivers boxes, toys, books, chairs, and gifts. If it's an object... the cow delivers it!
Readings
Onyomi: ブツ (butsu), モツ (motsu)
Kunyomi: もの (mono)
Example Words
物
もの (mono)
Thing
食べ物
たべもの (tabemono)
Food
飲み物
のみもの (nomimono)
Drink
買い物
かいもの (kaimono)
Shopping
Example Sentence
机の 上に 物が あります。
つくえの うえに ものが あります。
tsukue no ue ni mono ga arimasu
There is an object on the desk.