Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'small part' in Japanese, focusing on a minor portion, a small role, or a tiny component. It includes common words and phrases for different contexts.
Referring to a small amount, segment, or percentage of a whole.
The most common and neutral way to say 'a part' or 'a portion'. Often used with ～に過ぎない (is only a small part) or ～にすぎない.
This is only a small part of the whole.
His story is only a part of the truth.
Emphasizes that it is a very small part. 'ほんの' adds the nuance of 'mere' or 'just a'.
This is just a small part.
Similar to 一部, but slightly more explicit about being a fraction or segment. Often used in technical or detailed descriptions.
We extracted only a small part of it and analyzed it.
Means 'a little' or 'only a small amount'. Can be used as an adverb or noun modifier. Often paired with ～な部分 (a small part).
We can only see a small part.
Describing a minor role in a play, movie, or a small contribution to a group effort.
Literally 'small role'. Used for both theatrical roles and functional roles in a team.
He played a small part in that movie.
I also played a small part in the project.
Specifically means a minor role or bit part in a play or film. More theatrical than 小さな役割.
Casual way to say 'a small part/role'. ちょっとした means 'slight' or 'minor'.
It was just a small part, but it was fun.
Referring to a tiny part of a machine, device, or physical structure.
While 小さい部分 (chiisai bubun) is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural in many contexts. Use 一部 or 一部分 for abstract portions, and 小さな部品 for physical components.
She appeared in a small part.
Where does this small part go?