部分
ぶぶん
bubun
Refers to a piece, segment, or section of a larger whole. It is used for both tangible physical objects (like a part of a machine) and intangible abstract concepts (like a part of a personality or a section of a story).
While often translated as "part" in English, it specifically emphasizes a particular location, spot, or specific element within a structure. This distinguishes it from the similar word "一部 (ichibu)," which tends to focus more on quantity, proportion, or a sampled fraction of a whole.
For example, when talking about a specific spot on a map or a specific paragraph in a book, "部分" is the natural choice. When talking about "some of the people" or "a portion of the budget," "一部" is more appropriate.
In abstract contexts, it is frequently used to describe specific traits or aspects of a person's character or the specific points of an argument, acting similarly to "aspect" or "side" in English.
Meanings
A piece or a segment of a whole, whether physical or abstract.
Examples
体の悪い部分を詳しく検査する必要がある。
Karada no warui bubun o kuwashiku kensasuru hitsuyou ga aru.
It is necessary to examine the affected part of the body in detail.
計画のこの部分だけを修正してください。
Keikaku no kono bubun dake o shuuseishite kudasai.
Please correct only this part of the plan.
教科書のどの部分を読めばいいですか。
Kyoukasho no dono bubun o yomeba ii desuka.
Which part of the textbook should I read?
犯行手口の不自然な部分が気になる。
Hankou teguchi no fushizenna bubun ga kininaru.
The unnatural part of the crime method bothers me.
壊れた部分を交換すればまた動くはずだ。
Kowareta bubun o koukansureba mata ugoku hazuda.
It should work again if the broken part is replaced.
私の不足している部分を補ってほしい。
Watashi no fusokushite iru bubun o oginatte hoshii.
I want you to make up for the parts where I am lacking.