Translation guide
The English word "proportion" covers several related ideas: a part of a whole, the ratio between amounts, and the sense of balance or scale. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to a fraction, share, or segment of something larger.
The most common and versatile word for 'proportion' as a part or percentage. Used in everyday and formal contexts.
The proportion of young people is increasing.
In this region, the proportion of elderly people is high.
Often used for statistical ratios or proportions, especially in technical or business contexts.
The proportion of men to women is about the same.
Used as a suffix meaning 'tenths' or 'percent' in casual speech. Often combined with numbers.
30% of this class are international students.
Expressing the relationship between two quantities, such as 'the proportion of A to B'.
Also used for ratios. Can be used with ～に対する (ni taisuru) to show the relationship.
The proportion of expenses to income is high.
More formal and precise for ratios, common in mathematics and reports.
Means 'contrast' or 'comparison', sometimes used for proportions in a comparative sense.
Describing whether something is in the right size or amount relative to something else, often in art, design, or physical description.
Loanword from English, widely used for 'balance' or 'proportion' in design, body shape, etc.
The proportions of the furniture in this room are off.
Means 'balance' or 'proportion' in a more traditional sense, often implying harmony.
Refers to symmetry or well-balanced proportions, often used for body or architecture.
Expressing that something changes according to another factor.
Means 'in proportion to'. Used with nouns or verbs.
Taxes increase in proportion to income.
Means 'according to' or 'in proportion to', often used for flexible adjustments.
Salary is determined in proportion to ability.
Means 'as' or 'in proportion to', indicating a gradual change together.
Physical strength declines in proportion to age.
割合 (わりあい) is the general term for proportion, part, or ratio in everyday language. 比率 (ひりつ) is more technical and often used in statistics, mathematics, and formal reports. For casual speech, 割 (わり) as a suffix is common for percentages.
The proportion of foreign residents in this town is 10%.
Show the male-female ratio in a graph.
The loanword プロポーション (puropōshon) usually refers to body proportions or figure, not to mathematical or statistical proportions. Using it for other meanings can sound unnatural.
She has a good figure.
A large proportion of the budget is spent on education.
Here 'proportion' is translated as 大部分 (most part) rather than a direct equivalent.
The proportion of sugar to flour is 1:2.
Calculate the proportion of profit margin.
Sales increased in proportion to the previous year.
その絵は色の釣り合いが取れている。
The painting has a good proportion of colors.
均整のとれた体格。
A well-proportioned physique.