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.
Refer to one part of a story, TV series, or article released in parts.
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.
パソコンを12回の分割払いで買いました。
I paid for the computer in 12 monthly installments.
The most common and general term for paying in installments. Literally 'split payment'.
このソファは分割払いで買えますか？
Can I buy this sofa in installments?
分割払いの手数料はいくらですか？
How much is the installment fee?
Specifically monthly installments. Common in contexts like loans or large purchases.
月賦で車を買った。
I bought a car on monthly installments.
Verb phrase meaning 'to pay in installments'. More flexible than the noun form.
旅行代金を分割で支払うことにした。
I decided to pay for the trip in installments.
Loan; often implies installment payments. Used for mortgages, car loans, etc.
住宅ローンを組んで、毎月返済している。
I took out a mortgage and am paying it off in monthly installments.
Formal or legal term for installment payment. Rare in everyday speech.
賦払い契約を結ぶ。
To enter into an installment contract.
Refers to a serialized work (manga, novel, article). Often used with counters like 第1回 (first installment).
この漫画は週刊誌で連載されている。
This manga is serialized in a weekly magazine.
連載の第3回を読んだ。
I read the third installment of the series.
Counter for episodes, chapters, or installments. Use with a number.
次回をお楽しみに！
Look forward to the next installment!
このドラマは全12回です。
This drama has 12 installments in total.
Episode; used for TV series, podcasts, etc. More casual than 回.
最新エピソードを見逃した。
I missed the latest installment.
Counter for stories or episodes, especially in manga/anime. Often used as 第1話 (episode 1).
アニメの第5話が一番好きだ。
The fifth installment of the anime is my favorite.
Series; can refer to a set of installments. Not a single part.
このシリーズは全3部作だ。
This series is a trilogy (three installments).
The next installment of the novel comes out next month.