派閥
habatsu[ha̠ba̠t͡sɨ]
The English word 'clique' can be translated into Japanese as 派閥 (habatsu) or クリーク (kurīku).
Meaning: small, exclusive group of individuals, usually having some common characteristic (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 派閥 | habatsu | [ha̠ba̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| クリーク | kurīku |
While both words refer to a small, exclusive group of individuals with common characteristics, they are used in different contexts. 派閥 is used for organized power groups, whereas クリーク is used for social groups. You may also use the versatile term グループ to refer generally to a group or clique.
Which one should you use?
派閥 is typically used to describe formal political factions or organized power groups within an organization. In contrast, the katakana loanword クリーク refers more specifically to a social clique.
How do you pronounce it?
habatsu
Did you know?
- In a Japanese workplace, being part of a 派閥 often involves a 'vertical' relationship where the clique is centered around a single powerful boss rather than equal peers.
- In Japanese corporate culture, 派閥 does not just mean a social group but implies a specific power dynamic where members owe loyalty to a particular senior mentor.
- The kanji 派 in 派閥 also appears in the word for 'sect' or 'school of thought', linking the idea of a political clique to religious or philosophical divisions.
Examples in context
- 彼らは、ツワモノ集団として有名です。They are famous as a clique of tough guys.
- 社内の派閥争いが激しい。Shanai no habatsu arasoi ga hageshii.The factional fighting within the company is intense.
- 彼は政治的な派閥に属している。Kare wa seijiteki na habatsu ni zokushite iru.He belongs to a political faction.
- 新しい派閥が形成された。Atarashii habatsu ga keisei sareta.A new clique has been formed.
Example conversation
Two coworkers are talking about office politics in the break room.
- 結衣 Yui最近、部署内で派閥ができているみたいね。Saikin, busho nai de habatsu ga dekite iru mitai ne.It seems like a clique has formed within the department lately.
- 蓮 Ren本当だね。少し働きづらいよ。Hontou da ne. Sukoshi hatarakizurai yo.You're right. It makes it a bit hard to work.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんは、そのグループに入りたい？Ren-san wa, sono guruupu ni hairitai?Ren, do you want to join that group?
- 蓮 Renいや、僕は一人でいたいんだ。Iya, boku wa hitori de itai nda.No, I want to be on my own.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clique” translations and entries 派閥, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
