部分
bubun[bɯ̟bɯ̟̃ɴ]
The English word 'part' is translated to Japanese as 部分 (bubun).
部分 is used to refer to a distinct element of something larger. You can create the word 大部分 by adding the kanji for 'big' to the front, which means 'the majority' or 'most of'.
Meaning: distinct element of something larger (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 部分 is composed of the kanji 部, meaning 'section' or 'part' and 分, meaning 'part', 'minute' or 'division'.
Which one should you use?
While 部分 is a general term for a part, other words are more specific. Use 一部 when referring to a specific section, 断片 for something fragmented or broken into pieces, 要素 for an essential or constituent part and 部位 for an anatomical or structural part.
How do you pronounce it?
bubun
Did you know?
- The kanji 分 is also found in the word 自分 (jibun), meaning 'oneself'. This suggests a linguistic view of the individual as a 'divided part' or a distinct portion of a greater whole.
- When discussing the parts of a person's personality or character, Japanese often uses 面 (men), which literally means 'face' or 'surface', to mean a 'side' or 'aspect' of a person.
- In Japanese, the word for 'part' or 'section', 部 (bu), is also used as a suffix to denote a 'club' or 'circle' in schools, such as the 'brass band part' or 'brass band club'.
Examples in context
- それが一番大事な部分です。That's the most important part.This sentence uses 部分 to highlight a specific important part.Tatoeba #5132376 by pekerappo, translation #5132216 by CK
- この部分が分かんなかった。I didn't understand this part.This sentence uses 部分 to identify a part that was not understood.Tatoeba #11825846 by small_snow, translation #10124555 by ddnktr
- 店の大部分は十時に閉店する。The shops are for the most part closed at ten o'clock.This sentence uses 部分 within the word 大部分 to indicate the majority of something.Tatoeba #124982 by bunbuku, translation #279011 by sundown
- この部分を直してくださいPlease fix this part
- この一部だけ赤いですOnly this part is red
- そのガラスの断片が危ないですThose glass fragments are dangerous
- この要素を変更してくださいPlease change this element
- 頭部の痛みHeadache
- このパートが欠けているThis part is missing
- 新しいパーツを手に入れたI acquired new parts
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a project at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiこの部分はまだ終わっていません。Kono bubun wa mada owatte imasen.This part is not finished yet.
- 陽太 Yotaどの部分が難しいですか？Dono bubun ga muzukashii desu ka?Which part is difficult?
- 結衣 Yui計算の部分が一番大変です。Keisan no bubun ga ichiban taihen desu.The calculation part is the hardest.
- 陽太 Yota僕が手伝いましょうか？Boku ga tetsudaimashou ka?Shall I help you?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 部分, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
