割合

• Reading: わりあい
• Romaji: wariai
• Kanji breakdown: 割 (katsu/wa) — divide, proportion; 合 (gō/a) — fit, match
• Pronunciation: /wa.ɾi.a.i/

Meaning

Rate; ratio; percentage; proportion. The relative amount of one thing compared to another.

A noun describing the proportion or ratio of something. Used in statistics, surveys, and everyday comparisons. Also functions as an adverb meaning 'comparatively' or 'relatively' (割合に). Common in news reporting and data discussions.

Examples

1. 女性の割合が年々増えています。 The percentage of women is increasing year by year.
2. 合格者の割合は約七十パーセントでした。 The ratio of successful candidates was about seventy percent.
3. この地域は外国人の割合が高いです。 This area has a high proportion of foreigners.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, news, surveys

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 割 (divide/proportion) and 合 (fit/match). Suggests dividing something into matching portions — expressing ratios and proportions.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal