Translation guide
The English word "category" refers to a class or division of things sharing common characteristics. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is カテゴリー (category), a loanword used widely in everyday and digital contexts. More formal or written alternatives include 分類 (classification) and 部門 (division/section). The choice depends on context: カテゴリー for general grouping, 分類 for systematic classification, and 部門 for organizational departments.
これはどのカテゴリーに入りますか？
What category does this belong to?
To refer to a broad group of items, topics, or concepts that share a common feature, often used in everyday conversation, websites, or apps.
The most direct and common equivalent, a loanword from English. Used in casual and digital contexts like blogs, online shops, and menus.
このブログのカテゴリーは「旅行」です。
This blog's category is 'Travel'.
商品をカテゴリーで絞り込む。
Filter products by category.
Means 'classification' and implies a more systematic or scientific grouping. Common in academic, library, or biological contexts.
図書館の本は分類ごとに並べられています。
The library books are arranged by category.
Often used for categories in arts, entertainment, and media, like music genres or film types. Similar to 'genre'.
好きな音楽のジャンルは何ですか？
What is your favorite music category?
To refer to a section or department within a company, competition, or institution.
Used for departments or divisions in a company, or categories in a contest (e.g., 'sales department', 'youth category').
彼は営業部門で働いています。
He works in the sales category (department).
この賞には三つの部門があります。
This award has three categories.
Refers to a division or section, often in formal classifications, tax brackets, or administrative groupings.
To refer to a fundamental concept in philosophy, such as Aristotle's categories or Kantian categories.
A technical term used in philosophy and logic. Rare in everyday speech.
アリストテレスの範疇論
Aristotle's theory of categories
カテゴリー is a casual, everyday word for grouping things (like website categories). 分類 is more systematic and often used in science or libraries. 部門 refers to organizational divisions like company departments or contest categories.
このアプリでは支出をカテゴリーごとに管理できます。
In this app, you can manage expenses by category.
生物の分類は難しい。
The classification of living things is difficult.
彼はマーケティング部門に所属している。
He belongs to the marketing category (department).
While カテゴリー is widely understood, using it in formal writing or academic papers may sound too casual. In those cases, prefer 分類 or 区分.
カテゴリーを選んでください。
Please select a category.
これは別のカテゴリーに入ります。
This falls into a different category.
The tax rate changes according to income category.