Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'portfolio' is used in several distinct contexts. The most common is a collection of work samples (e.g., for a job or art), which is usually expressed with the loanword ポートフォリオ. For a financial portfolio, ポートフォリオ is also standard. A physical case for documents is 書類入れ or ファイル. In government, a minister's portfolio is 担当大臣の職務 or simply 担当.
A set of pieces of creative work collected to be shown to potential customers or employers.
The most common and direct equivalent. Used in creative fields, job hunting, and education.
就職活動のためにポートフォリオを作成しました。
I created a portfolio for my job search.
彼女のポートフォリオには素晴らしいイラストがたくさんあります。
Her portfolio has many wonderful illustrations.
Literally 'collection of works'. More formal or literary, often used for published collections or exhibition catalogs.
この作品集には初期のスケッチも含まれています。
This portfolio includes early sketches as well.
A range of investments held by a person or organization.
Standard term in finance. Often combined with 投資 (investment) as 投資ポートフォリオ.
分散投資でポートフォリオのリスクを減らす。
Reduce portfolio risk through diversification.
彼は株式と債券のポートフォリオを組んでいる。
He has built a portfolio of stocks and bonds.
A more explanatory phrase meaning 'combination of investments'. Used when explaining the concept rather than as a direct term.
投資の組み合わせを見直す必要がある。
We need to review our investment portfolio.
A large, thin, flat case for carrying loose papers, drawings, or maps.
General term for a document case or folder. Can be a flat case with a handle.
書類入れから企画書を取り出した。
I took the proposal out of my portfolio.
Often used for a ring binder or clear file folder. Less specific than 'portfolio' but common for carrying documents.
Specifically a case for artwork or design portfolios. Used in art supply contexts.
ポートフォリオケースに作品を入れて持ち運ぶ。
I carry my works in a portfolio case.
The particular area of responsibility of a government minister.
Literally 'the duties of the minister in charge'. Used in political contexts.
彼は外務大臣の職務を担っている。
He holds the portfolio of Foreign Minister.
Short for 'area of responsibility'. Often used in phrases like 〜担当大臣 (minister for ~).
彼女は教育担当大臣に任命された。
She was appointed minister for the education portfolio.
ポートフォリオ is the standard loanword for a personal collection of work samples, especially in creative and professional contexts. 作品集 is more formal and often implies a published or curated collection, like an art book. For a job interview, use ポートフォリオ.
ポートフォリオを見せてください。
Please show me your portfolio.
この作品集は美術館で販売されています。
This portfolio (art book) is sold at the museum.
I organize meeting materials in a portfolio/file.