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.
a small part (portion)
a small part (role)
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'.
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.
彼女は端役で出演した。
She appeared in a small part.
It was just a small part, but it was fun.
Where does this small part go?