～もの（物） (Nominalizer)

Meaning

Turns a verb into a concrete or abstract noun referring to a tangible object or item — “a thing that...”.
Usually a thing that can be eaten, drunk, worn, etc.

"thing(s) to verb" → "food", "drink", "wearable", etc.

How to Form

Verbs → Noun ("thing that [verb]")

• In compound words, もの is typically written in kanji: 物.
• Only works with action verbs that result in tangible things (e.g., 食べる → 食べもの).
• Abstract actions often sound unnatural

Examples

• 冷たい飲み物が欲しい。
  I want a cold drink.

• 甘い食べものはあまり食べません。
  I don’t eat sweet food very often.

• 古い読みものが好きです。
  I like old reading materials.

Notes

• This construction emphasizes physical objects produced by or related to an action.
• Often used in daily vocabulary:
  • 食べもの = food
  • 飲みもの = beverage
  • 売りもの = item for sale
  • 読みもの = reading material
• Frequently appears in compound nouns and product labels.
• もの (物) can also appear in abstract contexts, but is more rare
• Compared to 〜こと, which refers to actions or experiences, 〜もの focuses on tangible things or outcomes.

• Often used in compound nouns:
  食べ物, 飲み物, 書き物, 生き物

Related Forms

• ～こと (nominalizer for experiences, concepts)
• ～の (casual nominalizer)
• ～ものだ (different: expresses truths, emotion, nostalgia)