Translation guide
The English word 'variety' covers several distinct concepts: diversity within a group, a specific type or kind, and a range of different things. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing that there are many different kinds of something, or that something includes various types.
Refers to diversity in a broad sense, often used for biological diversity, cultural diversity, etc. More formal and abstract.
This region is rich in biodiversity.
A common loanword used for variety in entertainment, food, products, etc. Often implies a fun or interesting assortment.
This restaurant prides itself on its varied menu.
Means 'change' or 'variation'. Used when emphasizing that things are not monotonous, often in daily life or routines.
Every day is the same routine; I want some variety.
A formal, somewhat literary term meaning 'various' or 'a variety of'. Often used in written language.
A variety of problems have piled up.
Referring to a specific sort, type, or variant of something within a category.
The most common word for 'kind' or 'type'. Used for varieties of products, animals, plants, etc.
There are many varieties of this flower.
Specifically refers to a breed, cultivar, or variety of plants or animals, often in agricultural or biological contexts.
Loanword meaning 'variation', often used for different versions of a product, design, or idea.
Describing a collection or set that includes many different items.
An adjective meaning 'various' or 'a variety of'. Very common in everyday speech.
I want to try a variety of cuisines from different countries.
Similar to いろいろな but slightly more formal. Often used in writing or polite speech.
A variety of opinions were expressed.
A more emphatic and formal expression meaning 'a wide variety of'. Often used in business or academic contexts.
We respond to a wide variety of needs.
種類 is the general word for 'kind' or 'type' and can be used for almost anything. 品種 is specifically for biological varieties, breeds, or cultivars. Using 品種 for non-biological categories sounds odd.
This shop has various kinds of bread.
This dog is a rare breed.
The loanword バラエティ is mainly used for entertainment variety shows or to describe an assortment of fun things. It is not used to mean 'a type of something' in the sense of a category. Use 種類 instead.
There are several varieties of this car.
This rice is a new variety.
There are several variations of this design.