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.
What is the best feature of this phone?
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.
The best feature of this car is its fuel efficiency.
Emphasizes a distinguishing feature or unique characteristic, often positive. Common in describing products, places, or services.
Used specifically for features of a device, software, or system; refers to a function or capability.
Similar to 特徴 but often implies a strong point or merit. Used in marketing or when highlighting advantages.
Referring to the eyes, nose, mouth, etc., as facial features.
A common, casual way to refer to facial features. Literally 'face parts'.
A special or prominent article in a publication, or a regular column.
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.
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.
The main feature of the new model is its improved battery life.
Please describe his facial features.
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.
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.
この商品の特長は耐久性です。
The selling feature of this product is its durability.
She has well-defined facial features.
Refers to the overall look or cast of someone's facial features. Often used in descriptions of appearance.
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 face with sharp features
A special feature or feature article in a newspaper, magazine, or TV program. Often a multi-page or in-depth coverage of a topic.
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.
There was an interesting feature article in that newspaper.
A series of articles or a regular column. Not exactly 'feature' but can be used for a recurring feature.
His weekly feature appears every Friday.
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.
Both feature films and short films were screened at the festival.
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.