Translation guide
A quadrant is one of four equal parts into which an area or space is divided, often by two perpendicular lines. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 象限 (しょうげん) in mathematical or technical contexts, but for general use, phrases like 四分の一 (よんぶんのいち) or 区画 (くかく) may be more appropriate. The choice depends heavily on context.
Referring to one of the four regions of a coordinate plane, or a quarter of a circle.
The standard term in mathematics and technical fields for a quadrant of a coordinate system.
点 (3, 4) は第一象限にあります。
The point (3, 4) is in the first quadrant.
Literally 'quarter circle', used in geometry to describe a quadrant as a shape.
この図形は四分円です。
This shape is a quadrant (quarter circle).
Describing one of four equal sections of an area, object, or abstract whole.
Means 'one quarter' and can be used for any division into four equal parts, though it emphasizes the fraction rather than the specific section.
ケーキを四分の一に切ってください。
Please cut the cake into quarters.
Refers to a section or compartment of a larger area, often used for land, grids, or organized spaces. Can imply a quadrant in contexts like city planning.
都市のこの区画は再開発中です。
This quadrant of the city is under redevelopment.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'one part of a four-part division'. Used when you need to be explicit about the division into four.
画面を四分割した一部に地図が表示される。
A map is displayed in one quadrant of the screen.
Referring to a historical instrument used for measuring angles, such as a quadrant or sextant.
The specific term for the astronomical/navigational instrument 'quadrant'.
船乗りは四分儀を使って星の高度を測った。
Sailors used a quadrant to measure the altitude of stars.
The English word 'quadrant' is often used loosely for any quarter section, but in Japanese, 象限 is strictly mathematical. Using it for a general quarter of something will sound unnatural. Instead, use 四分の一 or describe the division explicitly.
象限 is only for coordinate planes or technical contexts. 四分の一 is a general fraction meaning 'one fourth'. If you want to say 'the upper-left quadrant of the page', you would say ページの左上の四分の一 (ページのひだりうえのよんぶんのいち) or simply 左上の部分 (ひだりうえのぶぶん).