Translation guide
The English word "feature" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a distinctive attribute, a part of the face, a newspaper or magazine article, and a main film presentation.
この電話の一番の特徴は何ですか？
What is the best feature of this phone?
彼女は顔立ちが繊細だ。
She has delicate features.
Referring to a prominent or distinctive aspect, quality, or characteristic of something.
The most common and general word for a feature or characteristic. Can be used for people, objects, places, etc.
この車の一番の特徴は燃費の良さです。
The best feature of this car is its fuel efficiency.
彼の顔の特徴を教えてください。
Please describe his facial features.
Emphasizes a distinguishing feature or unique characteristic, often positive. Common in describing products, places, or services.
この地域の特色は豊かな自然です。
The distinctive feature of this region is its rich natural environment.
Used specifically for features of a device, software, or system; refers to a function or capability.
このアプリの新機能はとても便利です。
The new feature of this app is very useful.
Similar to 特徴 but often implies a strong point or merit. Used in marketing or when highlighting advantages.
この商品の特長は耐久性です。
The selling feature of this product is its durability.
Referring to the eyes, nose, mouth, etc., as facial features.
A common, casual way to refer to facial features. Literally 'face parts'.
彼女は顔のパーツがはっきりしている。
She has well-defined facial features.
Refers to the overall look or cast of someone's facial features. Often used in descriptions of appearance.
彼は整った顔立ちをしている。
He has regular features.
Specifically refers to the features of the eyes and nose, often used to describe how distinct or well-defined they are.
A special or prominent article in a publication, or a regular column.
A special feature or feature article in a newspaper, magazine, or TV program. Often a multi-page or in-depth coverage of a topic.
今月の特集は「日本の伝統工芸」です。
This month's feature is 'Traditional Japanese Crafts'.
General word for article. Can be used for a feature article when context is clear, but 特集 is more specific.
A series of articles or a regular column. Not exactly 'feature' but can be used for a recurring feature.
The main movie in a cinema program, as opposed to supporting short films.
Simple and clear way to refer to the main feature film. Often used in casual conversation.
メインの映画が始まる前に予告編があります。
There are trailers before the main feature.
Literally 'full-length' or 'feature-length'. Used to describe a feature film as opposed to a short film.
その映画祭では長編と短編が上映された。
Both feature films and short films were screened at the festival.
特徴 (tokuchō) is the most general word for 'feature' as a characteristic. 特色 (tokushoku) emphasizes uniqueness and is often positive. 機能 (kinō) is specifically a functional feature of a machine or system. Use 機能 for software features, 特徴 for general traits.
The loanword フィーチャー (fīchā) is not commonly used in Japanese for the meanings above. It might be understood in some technical contexts, but it's safer to use the native terms.
新モデルの主な特徴はバッテリー寿命の向上です。
The main feature of the new model is its improved battery life.
その雑誌は気候変動に関する特集を組んだ。
The magazine ran a feature on climate change.
目鼻立ちのくっきりした顔
a face with sharp features
There was an interesting feature article in that newspaper.
彼の連載は毎週金曜日に掲載される。
His weekly feature appears every Friday.