内部

• Reading: ないぶ
• Romaji: naibu
• Kanji breakdown: 内 (nai/uchi) — inside, inner; 部 (bu) — section, part, division
• Pronunciation: /na.i.bɯ/

Meaning

Interior; inside; internal. The inner part of an organisation, structure, or system.

A noun often used with の to modify other nouns — 内部の問題 (internal problem), 内部調査 (internal investigation). Frequently appears in formal and professional contexts: 内部告発 (whistleblowing), 内部情報 (inside information). The opposite is 外部 (gaibu, external/outside). More formal and specific than 中 (naka), which is the everyday word for 'inside.'

Examples

1. 建物の内部を見学することができます。 You can tour the interior of the building.
2. 会社の内部で大きな改革が進んでいる。 Major reforms are underway inside the company.
3. 内部の情報が外に漏れてしまった。 Internal information was leaked to the outside.

Usage Guide

Context: business, organisations, architecture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 内 (nai, inner/inside) + 部 (bu, section/part). Together they form 'inner section' — the internal component or interior of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional