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.
I paid for the computer in 12 monthly installments.
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.
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.
I read the third installment of the series.
Counter for episodes, chapters, or installments. Use with a number.
Look forward to the next installment!
This drama has 12 installments in total.
Episode; used for TV series, podcasts, etc. More casual than 回.
I missed the latest installment.
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.
This series is a trilogy (three installments).
その小説の次回は来月発売です。
The next installment of the novel comes out next month.