How to say "proportion" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 率りつnoun, noun (suffix)Covers 'proportion' in the numerical sense of a rate or percentage, such as a share measured statistically. Choose this when talking about how large a proportion of something is, expressed as a figure.
- 割りわりnoun, noun (suffix)Matches 'proportion' as a rate or ratio, especially a share or percentage in everyday reckoning such as discounts or splits. For the abstract sense of proportion, other words are usually the better choice.
- 比ひnoun, noun (suffix)Covers 'proportion' in the mathematical sense of a ratio comparing two quantities. This is the word you want when the emphasis is on the relationship between numbers rather than on a percentage or share.
- 比例ひれいnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers 'proportion' as a proportional relationship, where one quantity increases or decreases in step with another. It does not mean a proportion as a number or share, so it suits only this relational sense.
- 比率ひりつnounCovers 'proportion' as a ratio or percentage between quantities, and is a natural choice for most numerical uses. Use it when stating what proportion one amount is of another.
Use 比率 or 率 for a numerical proportion or percentage, 割合-style 「割り」 for rates and shares, 比 for ratios in math, and 比例 for proportional relationship.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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