How to say "component" in Japanese

• 要素ようそJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'component' in the abstract sense — an element or factor that makes up a system, design, or idea. Also used for items in a list.
  教育きょういくは重大じゅうだいな要素ようそである。↗

  Education is a critical element.
• パーツCommon
  nounCovers 'component' as a physical part of a machine, vehicle, or product — the loanword you reach for when the component is a tangible piece of hardware, not an abstract element.
  弊社へいしゃは機械きかいパーツの輸入ゆにゅうを行おこなっています。↗

  We specialize in the import of machinery parts.
• 成分せいぶんJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounCovers 'component' as a constituent of a substance, mixture, or food — an ingredient or chemical constituent. Use it for what something is made of materially, not for parts of a machine.
  グリーンピースは鉄分てつぶんが豊富ほうふで爪つめの色いろがよくなる成分せいぶんが含ふくまれている。↗

  Green peas are high in iron and contain nutrients that improve the colour of fingernails.
• コンポCommon
  nounIts 'component' sense is really 'component stereo': the word refers to a component audio system, not to components in general, so it is seldom the translation you want for plain 'component'.

Use 要素 for abstract components or factors of a system or idea, 「パーツ」 for physical parts, 成分 for ingredients of substances or mixtures, and 「コンポ」 only for component stereo systems.

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

• 要素ようそcomponent
• パーツpart
• 成分せいぶんingredient
• コンポcomponent
• コンポーネントcomponent
• 部材ぶざいcomponent
• 構成子こうせいしcomponent
• 構成要素こうせいようそcomponent
• 構成部品こうせいぶひんcomponent