Translation guide
The English word "proportion" covers several related ideas: a part of a whole, the ratio between amounts, and the sense of balance or scale. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to a fraction, share, or segment of something larger.
The most common and versatile word for 'proportion' as a part or percentage. Used in everyday and formal contexts.
若者の割合が増えている。
The proportion of young people is increasing.
この地域では高齢者の割合が高い。
In this region, the proportion of elderly people is high.
Often used for statistical ratios or proportions, especially in technical or business contexts.
男女の比率はほぼ同じです。
The proportion of men to women is about the same.
Used as a suffix meaning 'tenths' or 'percent' in casual speech. Often combined with numbers.
このクラスの３割は留学生だ。
30% of this class are international students.
Expressing the relationship between two quantities, such as 'the proportion of A to B'.
Also used for ratios. Can be used with ～に対する (ni taisuru) to show the relationship.
収入に対する支出の割合が高い。
The proportion of expenses to income is high.
More formal and precise for ratios, common in mathematics and reports.
Means 'contrast' or 'comparison', sometimes used for proportions in a comparative sense.
Describing whether something is in the right size or amount relative to something else, often in art, design, or physical description.
Loanword from English, widely used for 'balance' or 'proportion' in design, body shape, etc.
この部屋は家具のバランスが悪い。
The proportions of the furniture in this room are off.
Means 'balance' or 'proportion' in a more traditional sense, often implying harmony.
Refers to symmetry or well-balanced proportions, often used for body or architecture.
Expressing that something changes according to another factor.
Means 'in proportion to'. Used with nouns or verbs.
収入に比例して税金が高くなる。
Taxes increase in proportion to income.
Means 'according to' or 'in proportion to', often used for flexible adjustments.
能力に応じて給料が決まる。
Salary is determined in proportion to ability.
Means 'as' or 'in proportion to', indicating a gradual change together.
年を取るにつれて体力が落ちる。
Physical strength declines in proportion to age.
割合 (わりあい) is the general term for proportion, part, or ratio in everyday language. 比率 (ひりつ) is more technical and often used in statistics, mathematics, and formal reports. For casual speech, 割 (わり) as a suffix is common for percentages.
この町の外国人住民の割合は10％です。
The proportion of foreign residents in this town is 10%.
男女比率をグラフで示す。
Show the male-female ratio in a graph.
The loanword プロポーション (puropōshon) usually refers to body proportions or figure, not to mathematical or statistical proportions. Using it for other meanings can sound unnatural.
彼女はプロポーションがいい。
She has a good figure.
予算の大部分が教育に使われている。
A large proportion of the budget is spent on education.
Here 'proportion' is translated as 大部分 (most part) rather than a direct equivalent.
砂糖と小麦粉の割合は１対２です。
The proportion of sugar to flour is 1:2.
Calculate the proportion of profit margin.
Sales increased in proportion to the previous year.
その絵は色の釣り合いが取れている。
The painting has a good proportion of colors.
均整のとれた体格。
A well-proportioned physique.