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.
その小説の次回は来月発売です。
The next installment of the novel comes out next month.
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).