Translation guide
The English phrase "one's part" refers to a person's role, duty, or contribution in a situation. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express this concept, from formal responsibilities to casual contributions.
Expressing a person's assigned role, responsibility, or expected contribution in a group, project, or society.
The most common and versatile word for 'role' or 'part' in a group or task. Can be used in both formal and casual contexts.
彼はチームで重要な役割を果たした。
He played an important part in the team.
自分の役割を理解してください。
Please understand your part (role).
Refers to one's duty or task, often with a sense of obligation. Slightly more formal than 役割.
親としての務めを果たす。
Fulfill one's part as a parent.
Similar to 役割 but often implies a specific assigned task or duty, sometimes with a nuance of 'turn' or 'job'.
掃除は私の役目です。
Cleaning is my part (job).
Refers to one's share or portion of work in a divided task. Emphasizes the division of labor.
各自の分担を決めましょう。
Let's decide each person's part (share of work).
Emphasizing the action or effort someone contributes to achieve a result.
A common phrase meaning 'to do one's part' or 'fulfill one's role'. Natural in many contexts.
みんなが自分の役割を果たせば、成功できる。
If everyone does their part, we can succeed.
Means 'to contribute'. More formal and often used for significant contributions to a cause or organization.
彼は会社の発展に貢献した。
He did his part for the company's growth.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to take a part' or 'to play a role', often in a positive, proactive sense. Casual.
Referring to a character or role played by an actor.
The standard word for a role in a play, movie, etc. Can be used for 'part' in the theatrical sense.
彼女は主役を演じた。
She played the leading part.
どの役をやりたいですか？
Which part do you want to play?
Refers to casting or the assignment of roles. More technical, used in production contexts.
In Japanese, 'one's part' is often omitted when the context makes it obvious, especially in casual speech.
Instead of explicitly saying 'do your part', Japanese often uses a verb that implies the action, or relies on context. For example, 'I'll do my part' can simply be 'やります' (I'll do it).
任せてください。私がやります。
Leave it to me. I'll do my part.
みんなで協力しよう。
Let's all cooperate (implying everyone does their part).
The English phrase 'one's part' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 一部) often sounds unnatural. Instead, choose a word like 役割 or 務め depending on the nuance.
役割 is the most general and neutral. 務め implies a duty or obligation, often moral. 役目 is a specific assigned task or turn. Use 役割 unless you want to emphasize duty or a specific job.
環境を守るために、みんなが自分の役割を果たさなければならない。
Everyone must do their part to protect the environment.
自分のできることをしているだけです。
I'm just doing my part.
A natural, humble way to say you're contributing without explicitly saying 'part'.
彼はプロジェクトの成功に一役買った。
He played a part in the project's success.
配役が発表された。
The parts (casting) have been announced.