Translation guide
The English word "section" covers many distinct concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a distinct part of a whole, such as a section of a document, a newspaper, or a store.
General word for 'part' or 'section'. Safe for most contexts.
この書類のこの部分がよくわかりません。
I don't understand this section of the document.
Loanword from English, used in modern contexts like websites, manuals, or organized divisions.
ウェブサイトのFAQセクションを見てください。
Please look at the FAQ section of the website.
Formal term for a division or section, often used in legal or administrative contexts.
土地はいくつかの区分に分けられている。
The land is divided into several sections.
Referring to a physical area designated for a specific purpose, like a seating section or a section of a city.
Refers to a defined area or zone, such as a section of a city or a restricted area.
この区域は立ち入り禁止です。
This section is off-limits.
Loanword used for areas in stores, venues, or events.
禁煙エリアはあちらです。
The non-smoking section is over there.
Often used for plots of land or partitioned sections, like in a cemetery or parking lot.
Referring to a section within a company, government, or other organization.
Standard suffix for a section or department in a company or government office. Often combined with a specific name.
人事課に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the personnel section.
Larger than 課, often translated as 'department' but can correspond to 'section' in some organizations.
営業部の山田さんをお願いします。
Mr. Yamada from the sales section, please.
General term for a division or section, often used in business contexts.
Referring to a view or cut that shows the inside of something, like a cross-section diagram.
Specifically means 'cross-section'. Used in science, engineering, and diagrams.
この図はエンジンの断面を示しています。
This diagram shows a cross-section of the engine.
A cross-section drawing or diagram.
Referring to a specific part of a publication, like the sports section.
Means 'column' or 'section' in a newspaper or magazine.
スポーツ欄を読むのが好きです。
I like reading the sports section.
Refers to a page or section, often used for newspapers (e.g., 社会面 for the local news section).
経済面に詳しい記事が載っていた。
There was a detailed article in the business section.
Referring to a numbered clause or article in a legal or formal document.
Used for articles or sections in laws, treaties, and formal documents.
憲法第9条について議論しましょう。
Let's discuss Article 9, Section 1 of the Constitution.
Sub-section or paragraph within an article.
第3条第2項を参照してください。
Please refer to Article 3, Section 2.
In Japanese companies, 課 (か) is a small section, 部 (ぶ) is a larger department, and 部門 (ぶもん) is a general term for a division. The exact hierarchy varies by organization, but 課 is the most direct equivalent to 'section' in many cases.
While セクション is understood, it is not as common as the native Japanese words for specific contexts. Overusing it can sound unnatural.
Please tell me the section number of the parking lot.
He works in the research and development section.
断面図を見ると内部構造がわかります。
You can see the internal structure by looking at the cross-section diagram.