How to say "feature" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 特徴とくちょうnounThe everyday word for a feature in the sense of a distinguishing characteristic of a person, thing, or place — what makes it recognizable or stands out about it. The usual choice for this sense.
- 特集とくしゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA feature in the media sense: a special feature article or report in a newspaper or magazine, gathered around one topic. Not for characteristics of things or people.
- 機能きのうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbFeature in the sense of a function or capability: what a device, system, or piece of software can do. Think of a new feature added to an app.
- 特質とくしつnounAlso names a characteristic or feature, but points to an underlying quality or trait — the special quality something or someone essentially has — rather than a conspicuous outward feature.
- 看板かんばんnounLiterally a signboard; as a "feature" it means the main attraction or draw — the star performer that pulls people in. For other senses of "feature" this is not the word you want.
Use 特徴 for a distinguishing characteristic, 特集 for a newspaper or magazine feature, 機能 for a feature of a device or software, 特質 for an inherent quality, and 看板 only for a main attraction.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 特徴とくちょうfeature
- 特集とくしゅうfeature (e.g. newspaper)
- 機能きのうfunction
- 特質とくしつcharacteristic
- 素性そせいfeature
- フィーチャーfeature
- フィーチャリングfeaturing
- 聞き物ききものsomething worth hearing
- 売り物にするうりものにするto market (something)
- 特色とくしょくcharacteristic
- 地物ちぶつ(geographical) feature (natural or man-made)
- 看板かんばんdraw
- 出し物だしもの(theatrical) piece
- 取り上げるとりあげるto report (news)
See also
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