部分
bubun[bɯ̟bɯ̟̃ɴ]
The English phrase 'piece' can be translated into Japanese in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 部分 (bubun). Wiktionary also lists 一片 (ippen) and 切り身 (kirimi).
Meaning: part of a larger whole (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 部分 | bubun | [bɯ̟bɯ̟̃ɴ] (narrow) |
| 一片 | ippen | [ip̚pẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) [çi̥to̞çiɾa̠] (narrow) |
| 切り身 | kirimi | [kʲiɾʲimʲi] (narrow) |
In a general sense, a piece refers to a part of a larger whole. 部分 is the most common and general term used to describe a part or portion of something, such as a part of a machine or a part of a story.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 切り身 is composed of the verb stem for 'to cut' (切り) and the noun for 'body/flesh' (身).
Which one should you use?
While 部分 is a neutral, general term for a part or portion, 一片 is used in more formal or literary contexts, often referring to a single thin piece or slice of something like a leaf or a piece of paper. 切り身 is a specialized term used for a piece of food that has been sliced or cut, most commonly a slice of meat or fish.
How do you pronounce it?
bubun
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a piece of a puzzle, you would use the word ピース (pīsu), which is the English loanword, rather than a native Japanese term.
- When ordering a 'piece' of sushi, Japanese people typically use the counter 貫 instead of the general words for 'piece'.
- The kanji 片 in 一片 is also used in the word 片想い, which describes a 'one-sided' or unrequited love.
Examples in context
- 彼女はパズルの 部分 を集めています。(かのじょはぱずるの ぶぶん をあつめています。)She is collecting pieces of the puzzle.
- 魚を 一つ 食べました。(さかなを ひとつ たべました。)I ate one piece of fish.
- これは物語の重要な部分です。Kore wa monogatari no juuyou na bubun desu.This is an important part of the story.
- 計画の細かな部分を確認しましょう。Keikaku no komakana bubun o kakunin shimashou.Let's check the small parts of the plan.
- その部分はまだ未完成です。Sono bubun wa mada mikansei desu.That part is not yet complete.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are working on a group project together.
- 蓮 Renこの部分は、もっと詳しく書かないといけないね。Kono bubun wa, motto kuwashiku kakanai to ikenai ne.We need to write about this part in more detail.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。蓮君、どこを直すべきかな？Sou dane. Ren-kun, doko o naosu beki kana?You're right. Ren, where do you think we should fix it?
- 蓮 Ren結論の部分をもう少し強化しよう。Ketsuron no bubun o mou sukoshi kyouka shiyou.Let's strengthen the conclusion part a bit more.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった。私がやってみるね。Wakatta. Watashi ga yatte miru ne.Got it. I'll give it a try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “piece” translations and entries 部分, 一片, 切り身, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
