Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'small part' in Japanese, focusing on a minor portion, a small role, or a tiny component. It includes common words and phrases for different contexts.
Referring to a small amount, segment, or percentage of a whole.
The most common and neutral way to say 'a part' or 'a portion'. Often used with ～に過ぎない (is only a small part) or ～にすぎない.
これは全体のほんの一部に過ぎません。
This is only a small part of the whole.
彼の話は真実の一部にすぎない。
His story is only a part of the truth.
Emphasizes that it is a very small part. 'ほんの' adds the nuance of 'mere' or 'just a'.
これはほんの一部です。
This is just a small part.
Similar to 一部, but slightly more explicit about being a fraction or segment. Often used in technical or detailed descriptions.
その一部分だけを取り出して分析した。
We extracted only a small part of it and analyzed it.
Means 'a little' or 'only a small amount'. Can be used as an adverb or noun modifier. Often paired with ～な部分 (a small part).
わずかな部分しか見えていない。
We can only see a small part.
Describing a minor role in a play, movie, or a small contribution to a group effort.
Literally 'small role'. Used for both theatrical roles and functional roles in a team.
彼はその映画で小さな役割を演じた。
He played a small part in that movie.
私もプロジェクトで小さな役割を果たした。
I also played a small part in the project.
Specifically means a minor role or bit part in a play or film. More theatrical than 小さな役割.
Casual way to say 'a small part/role'. ちょっとした means 'slight' or 'minor'.
ちょっとした役だけど、楽しかった。
It was just a small part, but it was fun.
Referring to a tiny part of a machine, device, or physical structure.
Means 'part' or 'component', especially for machines. Often used with 小さい (small) to emphasize size.
この小さな部品が壊れている。
This small part is broken.
Loanword from English 'parts'. Common in casual or technical contexts for components.
While 小さい部分 (chiisai bubun) is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural in many contexts. Use 一部 or 一部分 for abstract portions, and 小さな部品 for physical components.
She appeared in a small part.
Where does this small part go?