Translation guide
The English word "installment" has two main meanings: a payment divided into parts, and a part of a serialized story or publication. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Express dividing a payment into multiple smaller payments over time.
The most common and general term for paying in installments. Literally 'split payment'.
Can I buy this sofa in installments?
How much is the installment fee?
Specifically monthly installments. Common in contexts like loans or large purchases.
I bought a car on monthly installments.
Verb phrase meaning 'to pay in installments'. More flexible than the noun form.
I decided to pay for the trip in installments.
Loan; often implies installment payments. Used for mortgages, car loans, etc.
I took out a mortgage and am paying it off in monthly installments.
Formal or legal term for installment payment. Rare in everyday speech.
To enter into an installment contract.
Refer to one part of a story, TV series, or article released in parts.
Refers to a serialized work (manga, novel, article). Often used with counters like 第1回 (first installment).
This manga is serialized in a weekly magazine.
Counter for episodes, chapters, or installments. Use with a number.
Episode; used for TV series, podcasts, etc. More casual than 回.
Counter for stories or episodes, especially in manga/anime. Often used as 第1話 (episode 1).
The fifth installment of the anime is my favorite.
Series; can refer to a set of installments. Not a single part.
分割払い only refers to payment. For a story installment, use 連載, 回, or エピソード.
回 is a general counter for installments (TV, articles, events). 話 is specifically for stories/episodes in manga, anime, or novels. Use 第3話 for 'episode 3' of a narrative, but 第3回 for 'part 3' of a documentary or article series.
I paid for the computer in 12 monthly installments.
The next installment of the novel comes out next month.
連載の第3回を読んだ。
I read the third installment of the series.
Look forward to the next installment!
This drama has 12 installments in total.
I missed the latest installment.
このシリーズは全3部作だ。
This series is a trilogy (three installments).