How to say "contents" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 内容ないようJLPT N3approx.Common
    nounContent or substance: what a text, speech, or discussion says or includes. When 'contents' means the ideas or information something presents, as in a book, report, or talk, this is the word.
    仮かりの議事ぎじ内容ないようを送付そうふしました。↗
    Attached is the tentative agenda.
  • 中身なかみJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounWhat is physically inside something: the contents of a box, bag, or envelope, or a filling. When 'contents' means what a text or speech says, use 内容 instead.
    財布さいふの中身なかみをこの袋ふくろに空あけなさい。↗
    Empty the purse into this bag.
  • 目次もくじJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounThe table of contents of a book, report, or document: the list of chapters and sections. Choose this only when 'contents' means that list, not what the text itself says.
  • 書面しょめんCommon
    nounReally means a written document or piece of writing. As 'contents' it refers to what a letter or similar document says; for other senses this is seldom the word you want.

Use 内容 for the content or substance of a text, 中身 for what is physically inside a container, 目次 for a book's table of contents, and 書面 for the contents of a letter or other piece of writing.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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