比率

• Reading: ひりつ
• Romaji: hiritsu
• Kanji breakdown: 比 (hi) — compare, ratio; 率 (ritsu) — rate, proportion, lead
• Pronunciation: /çi.ɾi.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Ratio; proportion; percentage. A numerical comparison between two or more quantities.

A noun used for expressing numerical ratios and proportions. More formal and precise than 割合 — typically found in academic, financial, and statistical contexts. Often appears with specific numbers or in charts and graphs.

Examples

1. 男女の比率はほぼ同じです。 The male-to-female ratio is roughly equal.
2. この学校の留学生の比率を調べました。 I looked up the ratio of international students at this school.
3. 売上に対するコストの比率が下がりました。 The cost-to-sales ratio went down.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, finance, academic

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 比 (compare/ratio) and 率 (rate/proportion). Both kanji deal with comparison and measurement, creating a word focused on numerical relationships.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal