Translation guide
Describes something incomplete, consisting of broken or disconnected pieces, or only partially known. Japanese expressions range from physical broken pieces to abstract incomplete information.
Describing something physically broken into fragments or pieces.
Most common and versatile word for 'fragmentary', used for both physical fragments and abstract bits of information.
断片的な骨が見つかった。
Fragmentary bones were found.
Specifically refers to fragments from something broken or shattered, like glass or pottery.
破片のガラスが床に散らばっていた。
Fragmentary glass was scattered on the floor.
Describing information, knowledge, or memories that are incomplete or only partially available.
The go-to word for fragmentary information or memories. Neutral and widely used.
彼の話は断片的で、全体像がつかめなかった。
His story was fragmentary, and I couldn't grasp the whole picture.
断片的な記憶しかない。
I only have fragmentary memories.
Means 'incomplete' or 'imperfect'. Broader than fragmentary, but often used when something is lacking parts.
Literary term for a fragment or excerpt, often from a text. Implies a disconnected piece.
Describing something that is not cohesive, with gaps or jumps, like a story or plan.
Still the best fit for a narrative that feels like disconnected fragments.
映画のプロットが断片的でわかりにくい。
The movie's plot is fragmentary and hard to follow.
Means 'incoherent' or 'disconnected'. Emphasizes lack of logical connection.
彼の説明は脈絡がなくて理解できなかった。
His explanation was fragmentary and I couldn't understand it.
断片的 (fragmentary) implies pieces exist but are disconnected; 不完全 (incomplete) means something is missing parts or not finished. Use 断片的 for scattered bits of info, 不完全 for something that should be whole but isn't.
かけら means a physical fragment or shard, not the adjective 'fragmentary'. Use 断片的 for the adjectival concept.
データが不完全で分析できない。
The data is fragmentary and cannot be analyzed.
この詩は断章のように感じられる。
This poem feels fragmentary.