一端

• Reading: いったん
• Romaji: ittan
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi) — one | 端 (tan) — end, edge, aspect
• Pronunciation: /i.t.ta.ɴ/

Meaning

One end; one aspect; a part or fragment of a whole. Used when presenting only a portion of something larger.

Often appears in the pattern 一端を示す (show a glimpse of) or 一端を担う (bear part of the responsibility). It conveys the idea of a partial view or contribution within a greater whole, and is common in analytical and formal writing when the speaker wishes to be modest about the scope of their perspective.

Examples

1. このデータは問題の一端を示しているにすぎない。 This data does no more than show one aspect of the problem.
2. 今日の講演では、研究成果の一端をご紹介できればと思います。 In today's lecture, I hope to be able to share a glimpse of our research findings.
3. 社会の変化の一端を、この小説は鮮やかに描き出している。 This novel vividly depicts one facet of the changes taking place in society.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, presentations, journalism, literary criticism

Tone: modest

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (ichi) meaning 'one' and 端 (tan/hashi) meaning 'end, edge, corner'. The literal image is of one tip or edge of a larger object, extended metaphorically to mean a partial aspect.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated