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.
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.
Describing a collection or set that includes many different items.
An adjective meaning 'various' or 'a variety of'. Very common in everyday speech.
いろいろな国の料理を食べてみたい。
I want to try a variety of cuisines from different countries.
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.
この店にはいろいろな種類のパンがある。
This shop has various kinds of bread.
この犬は珍しい品種だ。
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.
Refers to diversity in a broad sense, often used for biological diversity, cultural diversity, etc. More formal and abstract.
この地域は生物多様性が豊かだ。
This region is rich in biodiversity.
A common loanword used for variety in entertainment, food, products, etc. Often implies a fun or interesting assortment.
この店はバラエティ豊かなメニューが自慢です。
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.
毎日同じことの繰り返しで、変化が欲しい。
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.
種々の問題が山積している。
A variety of problems have piled up.
この花にはたくさんの種類があります。
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.
この米は新しい品種です。
This rice is a new variety.
Loanword meaning 'variation', often used for different versions of a product, design, or idea.
このデザインにはいくつかのバリエーションがあります。
There are several variations of this design.
Similar to いろいろな but slightly more formal. Often used in writing or polite speech.
様々な意見が出された。
A variety of opinions were expressed.
A more emphatic and formal expression meaning 'a wide variety of'. Often used in business or academic contexts.
多種多様なニーズに応える。
We respond to a wide variety of needs.
この車にはいくつかの種類があります。
There are several varieties of this car.
この車にはいくつかの種類があります。
There are several varieties of this car.