Translation guide
The English word 'portion' can refer to a part of something, a serving of food, or a share of something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a part, segment, or section of a whole, such as a portion of a document, area, or time.
The most general and common word for 'part' or 'portion'. Used for physical parts, sections of text, or abstract divisions.
Please read this portion.
A portion of the building collapsed.
Often used for 'a part' or 'a portion' in the sense of 'some of it', not the whole. Can be used with の to modify nouns.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated.
Used for specific points or places, often in formal or written contexts, like a portion of a document or a damaged spot.
There are several portions that need correction.
Referring to an amount of food for one person, such as a portion of rice, cake, or a meal.
Standard word for a single serving or portion of food. Often used in restaurants or recipes.
This dish is just the right portion for one person.
Refers to a serving or helping, often used in compounds like 大盛り (large portion) or 並盛り (regular portion).
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like packaged food or diet portions. Not as common as native words.
Referring to a share of something distributed, such as a portion of money, work, or inheritance.
One's share or portion of something divided among people, like profits or food.
He received his portion of the inheritance.
Allocation or quota, often used for assigned portions of work, resources, or time.
Colloquial term for one's share, often used in casual contexts like splitting a bill or loot.
部分 (ぶぶん) is a general 'part' and can be used for any portion. 一部 (いちぶ) emphasizes that it is only a part of the whole, often implying 'not all'. 一部 is common in phrases like 一部始終 (the whole story) or 一部の人間 (some people).
I don't understand this portion.
Only a portion of the students participated.
The loanword ポーション is mainly used for pre-packaged single servings (e.g., instant soup) or in gaming contexts. For everyday food servings, use 一人前 or 盛り.
I ordered a portion of sushi.
A large portion of rice, please.
This soup can be frozen in individual portions.
各チームに予算の割り当てがあります。
Each team has a portion of the budget allocated.
お前の分け前はこれだ。
This is your portion.