Translation guide
The English adverb 'partially' means 'not completely' or 'to some extent'. In Japanese, it is expressed through adverbs, adverbial phrases, or sentence patterns that indicate partialness. The most common and versatile equivalent is 一部 (ichibu) meaning 'a part' or 'partially'. Other options include 部分的に (bubunteki ni) for 'partially' in a more formal or technical sense, and patterns like ～だけ (dake) or ～しか～ない (shika~nai) to express limitation. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing that something is incomplete, only a portion, or not entirely the case.
Expressing that something is only partly true, done, or affected.
Literally 'one part'. Used as an adverb meaning 'partially' or 'in part'. It can modify verbs or entire clauses. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
Indicating that something consists of or is caused by a part of a whole.
Topic-marked phrase meaning 'part of it' or 'some of it'. Used to state that a portion of something has a certain quality or does something.
その問題の一部は解決した。
Part of the problem has been solved.
一部 (ichibu) is more common and versatile, used for both concrete and abstract partialness. 部分的に (bubunteki ni) is more formal and often used in technical descriptions, emphasizing that only specific parts are affected. In casual conversation, 一部 is preferred.
一部の人は反対している。
Some people (a part of the people) are opposed.
機械が部分的に故障した。
The machine partially broke down (some parts failed).
English '-ly' adverbs often do not have direct one-word equivalents in Japanese. Using パーシャリー (pāsharī) is not natural. Instead, use the noun 一部 or adverbial phrases like ある程度. Also, be careful not to overuse 部分的に in casual contexts.
その情報は一部しか正しくない。
That information is only partially correct.
費用の一部は会社が負担します。
The company will cover part of the cost.
Adverb meaning 'partially' or 'in parts'. Slightly more formal and often used in technical or written contexts. It emphasizes that only certain parts are affected.
このシステムは部分的にしか機能していない。
This system is only partially functioning.
Particle meaning 'only' or 'just'. When attached to a noun or clause, it indicates that something is limited to that extent, implying partialness. Often used in casual speech.
私はその映画を少しだけ見た。
I only watched a little bit of the movie (partially).
Pattern meaning 'only' with a negative verb. It emphasizes limitation and can convey that something is only partially done or true. More emphatic than だけ.
彼はその本を半分しか読んでいない。
He has only read half of the book (partially).
Means 'to some extent' or 'to a certain degree'. It expresses partialness in terms of degree rather than physical parts. Common in both speech and writing.
彼の説明はある程度正しい。
His explanation is partially correct (to some extent).
Literally 'half', but used to mean 'partially' or 'halfway'. Often implies something is incomplete or in the middle of a process. Can be literary.
工事は半ばで止まっている。
The construction is partially stopped (halfway).