Translation guide
The English word 'portion' can refer to a part of something, a serving of food, or a share of something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a part, segment, or section of a whole, such as a portion of a document, area, or time.
Referring to an amount of food for one person, such as a portion of rice, cake, or a meal.
Referring to a share of something distributed, such as a portion of money, work, or inheritance.
部分 (ぶぶん) is a general 'part' and can be used for any portion. 一部 (いちぶ) emphasizes that it is only a part of the whole, often implying 'not all'. 一部 is common in phrases like 一部始終 (the whole story) or 一部の人間 (some people).
この部分がわかりません。
I don't understand this portion.
一部の学生だけが参加した。
Only a portion of the students participated.
The loanword ポーション is mainly used for pre-packaged single servings (e.g., instant soup) or in gaming contexts. For everyday food servings, use 一人前 or 盛り.
Please read this portion.
建物の一部が崩れた。
A portion of the building collapsed.
Often used for 'a part' or 'a portion' in the sense of 'some of it', not the whole. Can be used with の to modify nouns.
収益の一部は寄付されます。
A portion of the proceeds will be donated.
Used for specific points or places, often in formal or written contexts, like a portion of a document or a damaged spot.
修正が必要な箇所がいくつかあります。
There are several portions that need correction.
Standard word for a single serving or portion of food. Often used in restaurants or recipes.
この料理は一人前がちょうどいい量です。
This dish is just the right portion for one person.
一人前の寿司を注文した。
I ordered a portion of sushi.
Refers to a serving or helping, often used in compounds like 大盛り (large portion) or 並盛り (regular portion).
ご飯の大盛りをお願いします。
A large portion of rice, please.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like packaged food or diet portions. Not as common as native words.
このスープは一ポーションずつ冷凍できます。
This soup can be frozen in individual portions.
One's share or portion of something divided among people, like profits or food.
彼は遺産の自分の取り分を受け取った。
He received his portion of the inheritance.
Allocation or quota, often used for assigned portions of work, resources, or time.
各チームに予算の割り当てがあります。
Each team has a portion of the budget allocated.
Colloquial term for one's share, often used in casual contexts like splitting a bill or loot.
お前の分け前はこれだ。
This is your portion.