Translation guide
The English word 'department' refers to a specialized division within an organization, a store section, or an academic unit. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 部署 (ぶしょ) for workplace divisions, but the best translation depends heavily on context.
A section or unit within a company, organization, or government body responsible for a specific function.
The most general and common term for a department in a company or organization. It refers to any organizational unit with a specific function.
He was assigned to the sales department.
Which department do you work in?
Often used as a suffix in department names (e.g., 営業部, 人事部). It implies a larger or more formal unit than 課.
Please contact the human resources department.
A smaller subdivision within a 部, like a section or team. Common in government and corporate hierarchies.
This is Mr. Tanaka from the accounting department.
Refers to a department or division, often in a broader sense, such as a business unit or sector. Can be used in both corporate and academic contexts.
Sales in this department are growing.
A specific area within a store or supermarket that sells a particular type of goods.
The most natural term for a department or section in a store where goods are sold. Often combined with the product name.
Where is the men's clothing department?
I shopped in the food department.
Literally 'corner', used for a smaller or specialized section within a store, like a 'corner' for a specific brand or product type.
A division of a university or school devoted to a particular academic discipline.
Refers to a department or course of study within a university faculty. It is the standard term for academic departments.
He is a student in the economics department.
Refers to a faculty or school within a university, which may contain multiple departments (学科). Sometimes used interchangeably with 'department' in English.
A high-level administrative division of government, often translated as 'ministry' or 'department' in English.
Used for central government ministries in Japan (e.g., 文部科学省, Ministry of Education). In some contexts, 'department' may be used in English, but 'ministry' is more common.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in Kasumigaseki.
Used for agencies or offices within the government, such as the National Police Agency (警察庁). Sometimes translated as 'department'.
A metaphorical use referring to someone's area of expertise or responsibility, as in 'that's not my department'.
部署 (ぶしょ) is the safest generic term for a workplace department. 部門 (ぶもん) is broader, often used for divisions or sectors. 部 (ぶ) and 課 (か) are specific hierarchical levels: 部 is larger, 課 is a subsection. Use 部署 when unsure.
I was transferred to a new department.
The English term 'department store' is デパート (depāto) in Japanese, not a direct translation using 部署 or 売り場. Do not say 部署の店.
I went to the department store on the weekend.
化粧品コーナーで新製品を見つけた。
I found a new product in the cosmetics department.
The Faculty of Letters has several departments.
The Fire Department responded to the disaster.
That question is outside my department.