余分

• Reading: よぶん
• Romaji: yobun
• Kanji breakdown: 余 (yo) — surplus, remaining; 分 (bun) — portion, part
• Pronunciation: /jo.bɯɴ/

Meaning

Extra; surplus; excess. Describes something beyond what is needed.

A na-adjective and noun. Common patterns include 余分な (extra/unnecessary), 余分に (in excess/extra). Can be neutral (余分に持っていく, bring extra) or slightly negative (余分な出費, unnecessary expense). Related to 余る (amaru, to remain/be left over) and 余計 (yokei, unnecessary/unwanted), though 余分 is more neutral than 余計.

Examples

1. 余分なお金は貯金に回している。 I put any extra money into savings.
2. 念のために余分にコピーを取っておこう。 Let's make some extra copies just in case.
3. 余分な荷物は家に置いてきた。 I left the extra luggage at home.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, planning, shopping

Tone: practical

Origin & History

Compound of 余 (yo, surplus/remaining) and 分 (bun, portion/part). Literally 'a remaining portion' — the part that exceeds what is necessary.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal