How to say "things" in Japanese

• 物事ものごとJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'things' in the broadest, most abstract sense: matters, everything in general, as in 'things are not that simple'. Use it for general statements about life, situations, or how things stand.
  あるがままに物事ものごとを見みるようにしなさい。↗

  Try to see things as they are.
• 事物じぶつCommon
  nounAlso 'things', but as objects of thought, discussion, or study, often in contrast with people or ideas; it fits explanatory or academic writing more than talk about daily life.
  私はいつも事物じぶつをあるがままに描えがくことにしている。↗

  I always make it a point to paint things as they are.
• 用品ようひんJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounNot 'things' in a general sense: it means articles, supplies, or utensils for a particular purpose, as in office supplies. Reach for it only when the 'things' are equipment or goods for some stated use.
  衛生えいせい用品ようひん売り場うりばはどこですか。↗

  Where is the sanitary section?

Choose 物事 for 'things' meaning matters or everything in general, 事物 for things as objects of thought or discussion, and 用品 for things as practical articles or supplies for a particular purpose.

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

• 物事ものごとthings
• 事物じぶつthings
• 用品ようひんarticles
• ことどもthings
• ものthings