How to say "classification" in Japanese

• 分類ぶんるいJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general-purpose word for classification as sorting things into categories or classes; it fits both formal schemes and everyday categorizing, and is the safe choice when no special nuance is intended.
  彼かれは書類しょるいの分類ぶんるいを終おえた。↗

  He finished sorting the papers.
• 仕分けしわけCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbClassification as the hands-on sorting of concrete items into groups, such as sorting mail or laundry into piles; the emphasis falls on the practical task of grouping rather than on building a category system.
• 種別しゅべつCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbClassification by type or kind: it names the type or category something falls under, working as a designation or label rather than describing the act of sorting things by hand.
• 分けわけCommon
  noun, noun (suffix)At heart this means division or splitting; as a rendering of 'classification' it is marginal — fit only when the point is simply dividing things up, not assigning them to categories.
  彼かれらは財産ざいさん分わけのことでもめている。↗

  They are arguing about their share of the property.
• 分別ぶんべつCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbSeparation of things into set categories, above all the separation of rubbish for recycling; for that everyday sorting-for-disposal sense this is the word to use, while general categorization takes 分類.

Use 分類 for general categorization, 「仕分け」 for hands-on sorting of items into groups, 種別 for type-based designations, 分別 for separating rubbish and similar set categories, while 「分け」 is really just division.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 分類ぶんるいclassification
• 仕分けしわけclassification
• 種別しゅべつclassification
• 分けわけdivision
• 分別ぶんべつseparation (e.g. of rubbish when recycling)
• 内訳うちわけitemization (of expenses)
• 格付けかくづけrating
• 区分けくわけdivision
• 類別るいべつclassification
• 部分けぶわけclassification
• クラシフィケーションclassification
• 分級ぶんきゅうclassification (of particles, using fluid resistance)
• レーティングrating
• 層別そうべつstratification
• 彙類いるいsame kind or class
• 級別きゅうべつgrading
• 区分くぶんclassification
• 色分けいろわけclassification