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B1 noun #1,000 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

種類

shurui Top 1,000

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At the A1 level, you can think of 種類 (shurui) as the word for 'kind' or 'type.' You will mostly see it when talking about things you like or things you see in a shop. For example, 'What kind of food do you like?' can be 'どんな種類の食べ物が好きですか？' Even though 'どんな食べ物' is simpler, using 種類 helps you understand that the world is full of different categories. You might see this word on a menu or a sign in a store. Just remember: [Thing] + の + 種類. It's a very useful word to help you describe the variety of things around you. Don't worry about the kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'shurui.'

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At the A2 level, you should start using 種類 to describe your hobbies and daily life in more detail. You can use it to say things like 'There are many types of bread' (パンの種類が多いです). You will also learn that 種類 can be used as a counter. For example, 'three types' is '三種類' (san-shurui). This is very helpful when you are shopping or ordering food. You should also start recognizing the kanji: 種 (kind/seed) and 類 (sort). This level is about moving from simple 'what' questions to describing the diversity of objects. You'll also learn to distinguish it from 'タイプ' (taipu), which is used for people's personalities or styles.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 種類 in a variety of contexts, including work, school, and travel. You should be able to explain the differences between various types of things. For example, 'There are many types of insurance' or 'This machine has three types of settings.' You will also encounter 種類 in more formal settings, like news reports or documentaries. You should be comfortable with the '～の種類' pattern and understand how to use it with adjectives like '豊富' (houfu - abundant) or '多様' (tayou - diverse). At this stage, you should also be careful not to confuse 種類 with similar-sounding words like 書類 (shorui - documents).

At the B2 level, 種類 becomes a tool for more complex categorization and analysis. You will use it to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'types of social problems' or 'categories of economic growth.' You should understand the nuance between 種類 and more technical terms like 品種 (hinshu - breeds/cultivars) or 種別 (shubetsu - classification). You will also see it used in compound words and formal expressions like '多種多様' (tashu-tayou - a great variety). Your ability to use 種類 accurately in both spoken and written Japanese should be quite high, allowing you to categorize information logically and clearly during discussions or in essays.

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At the C1 level, you will use 種類 and its related terms (like 類, 種, 部類) with high precision. You will encounter it in academic papers, legal documents, and high-level literature. You should understand how 種類 fits into taxonomic systems and philosophical frameworks of categorization. You will be able to discuss the 'criteria for classification' (分類の基準) and how different 'types' (種類) are defined in various fields of study. Your usage will extend to idiomatic expressions and subtle nuances, such as using 種類 to imply a certain 'ilk' or 'sort' of person in a literary context. You will also be proficient in using the kanji in complex compounds without hesitation.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 種類 is complete. You can navigate the most subtle distinctions between categorization terms in any professional or academic field. You can discuss the historical evolution of the word and its kanji components. You will use 種類 in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps to critique how society categorizes individuals or to analyze complex scientific data. You are comfortable with archaic or highly specialized synonyms and can use the word in any register, from the most formal legal prose to the most nuanced literary descriptions. For you, 種類 is not just a word for 'type,' but a fundamental concept of human cognition and language structure.

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種類 in 30 Sekunden

種類 (shurui) is the primary Japanese word for 'type,' 'kind,' or 'category,' used for both physical objects and abstract concepts.
It is composed of the kanji for 'seed/species' (種) and 'sort/class' (類), reflecting its role in objective classification.
Commonly used in the pattern 'Noun + の + 種類' or as a counter for types (e.g., 三種類 - three types).
Unlike 'タイプ' (taipu), which can be subjective, 種類 is generally used for factual or systemic categorization like biology or product lines.

The Japanese word 種類 (しゅるい - shurui) is a fundamental noun that translates to 'kind,' 'type,' 'sort,' 'category,' or 'variety.' It is a versatile term used to group objects, living things, or abstract concepts based on shared characteristics. In the hierarchy of Japanese vocabulary, it sits at the CEFR B1 level because while its basic meaning is simple, its application spans from daily conversation to highly technical scientific discourse. The word is composed of two kanji: 種 (shu), meaning 'seed,' 'species,' or 'variety,' and 類 (rui), meaning 'sort,' 'genus,' or 'class.' Together, they create a concept of classification that is essential for navigating the world.

Everyday Classification: In daily life, you use 種類 to talk about the variety of goods in a store, the different types of food available at a restaurant, or the genres of movies you enjoy. For example, if a bakery has twenty different types of bread, you would describe that as 'パンの種類が多い' (pan no shurui ga ooi).

この店にはたくさんの種類の紅茶があります。
(Kono mise ni wa takusan no shurui no koucha ga arimasu.)
This shop has many kinds of black tea.

Biological and Scientific Context: In a more formal or scientific setting, 種類 refers to biological species or taxonomic groups. While the specific word for 'species' in biology is often just '種' (shu), 種類 is frequently used in general science communication to describe the diversity of flora and fauna. It helps categorize animals into mammals, reptiles, or specific breeds.

The nuance of 種類 is objective. It focuses on the inherent traits that define a group. This distinguishes it from words like 'タイプ' (taipu), which often refers to personal style or preference, or 'ジャンル' (janru), which is specifically used for artistic and literary categories. 種類 is the 'workhorse' word for categorization in Japanese, appearing in everything from computer programming (data types) to social sociology (types of behavior).

新しい種類のウイルスが発見されました。
(Atarashii shurui no uirusu ga hakken saremashita.)
A new type of virus has been discovered.

Abstract Categorization: Beyond physical objects, 種類 can categorize abstract things like problems, personalities, or methods. You might say '色々な種類の悩み' (various kinds of worries) to indicate that the problems people face are diverse in nature and origin.

Finally, it is important to note the grammar. 種類 is a noun. To modify another noun, you almost always use the particle 'の' (no), as in 'Aの種類' (a type of A). To say 'there are many types,' you use '種類が多い' (shurui ga ooi) or '種類が豊富だ' (shurui ga houfu da). Understanding this word is a key step toward reaching intermediate fluency, as it allows you to describe the complexity and variety of the world around you with greater accuracy.

Using 種類 correctly involves understanding its placement within Japanese sentence structures. Because it is a noun, it follows standard noun grammar rules, but its role as a classifier means it frequently interacts with the particle 'の' and various adjectives describing quantity or diversity.

The 'A no Shurui' Pattern: The most common way to use this word is [Noun] + の + 種類. This translates to 'the type of [Noun].' For example, '花の種類' (types of flowers). Conversely, if you want to say 'a type of [Noun],' you use [Noun] + の + 一種類 (isshurui). For example, 'これはバラの一種類です' (This is a type of rose).

世界には何千もの種類の魚がいます。
(Sekai ni wa nanzen mono shurui no sakana ga imasu.)
There are thousands of kinds of fish in the world.

Describing Variety: To express that there is a wide variety of something, Japanese speakers use '種類が豊富だ' (shurui ga houfu da - types are abundant) or '種類が多い' (shurui ga ooi - types are many). In retail or marketing, '豊富な種類' (a rich variety) is a very common phrase used to attract customers.

In questions, 種類 is often paired with 'どんな' (donna - what kind of) or 'どの' (dono - which). 'どんな種類の音楽が好きですか？' (What kind of music do you like?) is a standard way to inquire about someone's preferences. It sounds slightly more formal and precise than just saying 'どんな音楽が好きですか？'

このカードゲームには、全部で200種類のカードがあります。
(Kono kaado geemu ni wa, zenbu de nihyaku-shurui no kaado ga arimasu.)
In this card game, there are 200 types of cards in total.

Categorizing Actions: You can also use 種類 to categorize actions or methods. For example, 'トレーニングの種類' (types of training) or '支払い方法の種類' (types of payment methods). This is particularly useful in instructional settings or when explaining complex systems.

When writing, remember that 種類 is usually written in kanji. The hiragana 'しゅるい' is rare except in materials for very young children. Mastering the kanji is important because both '種' and '類' appear in many other common words (like '人種' - jinshu/race, or '書類' - shorui/documents), making them high-value characters to learn.

You will encounter 種類 in a vast array of real-world situations in Japan, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. It is one of those 'glue' words that holds descriptions of the world together. Whether you are shopping, watching a documentary, or working in an office, 種類 is likely to pop up.

In Retail and E-commerce: When browsing websites like Amazon Japan or Rakuten, you will see '種類' used in product filters. It might refer to different colors, sizes, or models of a product. Shop clerks will often say, 'こちらの種類が一番人気です' (This type is the most popular) when showing you different versions of an item.

この靴は、色とサイズの種類がとても多いです。
(Kono kutsu wa, iro to saizu no shurui ga totemo ooi desu.)
These shoes come in many different colors and sizes.

In Restaurants and Cafes: Menus often categorize items by 種類. You might see a section for 'パスタの種類' (Types of Pasta) or 'ビールの種類' (Types of Beer). If you are at a buffet, the staff might boast about the '50種類の料理' (50 types of dishes) available to guests.

In educational and scientific media, 種類 is the standard term for classification. Nature documentaries use it to describe the diversity of species in an ecosystem. 'この森には100種類以上の鳥が住んでいます' (More than 100 kinds of birds live in this forest). In school, students learn to '種類分けする' (shurui-wake suru - to sort into types/classify) as part of basic logic and science lessons.

ゴミを種類ごとに分けて捨ててください。
(Gomi o shurui-goto ni wakete sutete kudasai.)
Please separate the trash by type before throwing it away.

In Business and Technology: Office environments use 種類 to discuss document types, contract categories, or customer segments. In IT, 'データ型' (data types) is the technical term, but 'データの種類' is often used in general discussions to explain what kind of information is being processed.

Whether you are listening to the news talk about '様々な種類の犯罪' (various types of crimes) or a friend talking about '好きな種類の犬' (the kind of dog they like), 種類 is an indispensable part of the Japanese auditory landscape. Its frequency makes it a high-priority word for anyone looking to understand natural Japanese conversations.

While 種類 is a straightforward word, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'kind' or 'type' into Japanese. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and avoid confusion.

Confusing 種類 with タイプ (Taipu): The loanword 'タイプ' is very common in Japanese, but it isn't always interchangeable with 種類. 種類 is objective and categorical (e.g., biological species, product categories). タイプ is often more subjective or refers to personal 'style' or 'vibe.' For example, 'He is my type' is '彼は私のタイプです,' NOT '彼は私の種類です' (which would sound like he is the same species as you!).

❌ 彼は私の好きな種類の男性です。
✅ 彼は私の好きなタイプの男性です。
(He is the type of man I like.)

Misusing 種類 as 'Kind' (Gentle): In English, 'kind' can mean 'type' or 'gentle/nice.' Beginners sometimes mistakenly use 種類 to mean 'gentle.' If you want to say 'He is a kind person,' use '親切な' (shinsetsu-na) or '優しい' (yasashii). 種類 only refers to categories.

Another common mistake is using 種類 when ジャンル (janru) is more appropriate. While 種類 is broad, ジャンル is specifically used for art, music, movies, and literature. While '音楽の種類' is grammatically correct, '音楽のジャンル' is much more common when discussing musical styles like Jazz or Rock.

❌ この映画の種類は何ですか？
✅ この映画のジャンルは何ですか？
(What is the genre of this movie?)

Overusing 種類 in Simple Questions: Sometimes, adding 種類 makes a sentence unnecessarily wordy. If you are asking 'What kind of food do you like?', 'どんな食べ物が好きですか？' is perfectly natural. Adding 種類 ('どんな種類の...') makes it sound slightly more like an interview or a survey. Use it when you specifically want to emphasize the diversity or the specific category.

Finally, be careful with the word 書類 (shorui). It sounds very similar to 種類 but means 'documents' or 'papers.' This is a classic 'false friend' for students because of the similar pronunciation and the fact that both words are common in office settings. Always listen for the 'shu' (種) vs 'sho' (書) sound.

To truly master 種類, you must understand how it relates to other Japanese words for 'type' or 'category.' Choosing the right word depends on the context and the level of formality required.

種類 (Shurui) vs. タイプ (Taipu): As mentioned, 種類 is for objective categories (species, models, types of bread). タイプ is used for personal preferences, personality types, or 'styles.' If you are talking about a person's 'type' in dating, always use タイプ. If you are talking about a 'type' of engine, 種類 is more formal, while タイプ is common in casual talk.
種類 (Shurui) vs. ジャンル (Janru): ジャンル is borrowed from French 'genre.' It is strictly for creative works: music, movies, books, and art. You wouldn't use ジャンル for types of apples or types of cars; for those, you use 種類.
種類 (Shurui) vs. 品種 (Hinshu): 品種 is a more technical term used specifically for 'breeds' of animals or 'cultivars' of plants. While you can use 種類 for dogs in general, if you are talking about specific registered breeds like Shiba Inu vs. Akita Inu, 品種 is the professional term.

このリンゴの品種は「ふじ」です。
(The variety/cultivar of this apple is 'Fuji'.)

部類 (Burui): 部類 means 'class' or 'category' and is often used when placing something into a broader group. For example, 'He belongs to the genius category' (彼は天才の部類に入る). It is slightly more abstract than 種類.
分類 (Bunrui): 分類 is the noun for 'classification.' It is often used as a verb (分類する - to classify). While 種類 is the 'type' itself, 分類 is the act or the system of sorting things into those types.

In formal writing, you might also see 種別 (shubetsu), which means 'classification' or 'distinction.' It is often used on forms or official documents to categorize things like 'membership type' or 'job category.' For example, '職種の種別' (classification of job types).

ゴミの種別を確認してください。
(Please check the classification of the trash.)

By learning these synonyms, you can express yourself with much more precision. Instead of always relying on 種類, you can use ジャンル for your favorite music, 品種 for your pet's breed, and 分類 when discussing how to organize your bookshelf. This variety in vocabulary is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 類 (rui) contains the radical for 'rice' (米) and 'head/page' (頁), though its original form was related to a dog (犬) and the idea of things being similar. The modern form is a result of historical script evolution.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ʃuː.ru.i/

US /ʃu.ru.i/

Heiban (Flat) style. The pitch remains relatively level throughout the word.

Reimt sich auf

Shurui (種類) Shorui (書類) Chirui (散るい - non-standard) Furui (古い - old) Kurui (狂い - madness) Surui (ずるい - sly) Murui (無類 - peerless) Yurui (緩い - loose)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'shuryui' (adding a 'y' sound to the second syllable).
Confusing it with 'shorui' (documents).
Stressing the 'ru' too heavily.
Making the 'u' in 'shu' too long like 'shuu'.
Merging the 'u' and 'i' into a single vowel sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji are intermediate level (N3), but very common. Once learned, they are easy to recognize.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji 類 is somewhat complex to write correctly due to the number of strokes.

Sprechen 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, though it must be distinguished from 'shorui'.

Hören 3/5

Can be confused with 'shorui' or 'shuryu' in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

物 (mono) - thing 色々 (iroiro) - various 同じ (onaji) - same 違う (chigau) - different 何 (nani) - what

Als Nächstes lernen

分類 (bunrui) - classification 品種 (hinshu) - breed ジャンル (janru) - genre タイプ (taipu) - type 特徴 (tokuchou) - characteristic

Fortgeschritten

種別 (shubetsu) - classification カテゴリー (kategorii) - category 系統 (keitou) - lineage 属性 (zokusei) - attribute 部類 (burui) - class

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + の + 種類

お菓子の種類 (Types of sweets)

Number + 種類 (Counter)

五種類 (Five types)

どんな種類の + Noun

どんな種類の車ですか？ (What kind of car is it?)

種類 + ごとに

種類ごとに分ける (Sort by type)

～の種類によって

種類によって値段が違う (Price differs by type)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

どんな種類の食べ物が好きですか？

What kind of food do you like?

Uses 'どんな種類の' to ask about categories.

この店には、三種類のパンがあります。

There are three types of bread in this shop.

Uses '三種類' as a counter for types.

いろいろな種類の花が咲いています。

Various kinds of flowers are blooming.

Uses 'いろいろな種類の' to mean 'various kinds of'.

この本には、たくさんの種類の動物がのっています。

There are many kinds of animals in this book.

Uses 'たくさんの種類の' for a large variety.

お茶の種類を教えてください。

Please tell me the types of tea.

Uses 'お茶の種類' as the object of the sentence.

これは新しい種類のリンゴです。

This is a new kind of apple.

Uses '新しい種類の' to describe a new category.

どの種類が一番安いですか？

Which type is the cheapest?

Uses 'どの種類' to ask for a selection from categories.

果物の種類は少ないです。

The variety of fruit is small.

Uses '種類は少ない' to describe limited variety.

このゲームには、100種類以上のモンスターが出ます。

More than 100 types of monsters appear in this game.

Uses '～種類以上' to mean 'more than X types'.

仕事の種類によって、給料が違います。

Salaries differ depending on the type of job.

Uses '～の種類によって' to mean 'depending on the type of'.

彼は、いろいろな種類のスポーツが得意です。

He is good at various kinds of sports.

Describes a person's skills across categories.

この図書館には、多くの種類の本があります。

There are many types of books in this library.

Uses '多くの種類の' for formal variety.

飲み物の種類を選んでください。

Please choose the type of drink.

Standard polite request for selection.

同じ種類の服を二枚買いました。

I bought two pieces of the same type of clothing.

Uses '同じ種類の' to mean 'the same type of'.

野菜の種類を増やしたほうがいいですよ。

You should increase the variety of vegetables.

Uses '種類を増やす' to mean 'increase variety'.

どんな種類の音楽を聴きますか？

What kind of music do you listen to?

A common conversational question.

このアプリは、様々な種類のファイルをサポートしています。

This app supports various types of files.

Uses '様々な種類の' for a more formal 'various'.

将来、どんな種類の仕事に就きたいですか？

What kind of job do you want to have in the future?

Used in the context of career planning.

その植物は、珍しい種類だと言われています。

That plant is said to be a rare species.

Uses '珍しい種類' to mean 'rare type/species'.

ゴミの種類を間違えないように注意してください。

Please be careful not to mistake the type of trash.

Common instruction in Japan regarding recycling.

最近、新しい種類の詐欺が増えています。

Recently, new types of scams are increasing.

Used in a social/news context.

この地域には、多種多様な種類の鳥が生息しています。

A wide variety of bird species live in this region.

Uses '多種多様な' (wide variety) to emphasize diversity.

データの種類を整理する必要があります。

It is necessary to organize the types of data.

Used in a business/analytical context.

どの種類の保険が自分に合っているか分かりません。

I don't know which type of insurance is right for me.

Discussing options and suitability.

この論文では、三種類の学習方法を比較しています。

This paper compares three types of learning methods.

Used in academic writing.

人間関係には、いくつかの種類があると考えられます。

It is thought that there are several types of human relationships.

Discussing abstract sociological concepts.

製品の種類を絞り込むことで、コストを削減しました。

By narrowing down the types of products, we reduced costs.

Uses '種類を絞り込む' to mean 'narrow down types'.

そのウイルスは、特定の種類の細胞にのみ感染します。

The virus only infects specific types of cells.

Scientific/medical usage.

この地域で見つかった化石は、未知の種類のものでした。

The fossil found in this area was of an unknown species.

Uses '未知の種類' for 'unknown species'.

投資には、リスクの種類を理解することが不可欠です。

Understanding the types of risks is essential for investing.

Formal business/financial context.

言葉の種類によって、相手に与える印象が変わります。

The impression you give changes depending on the type of words you use.

Discussing linguistics and social impact.

この素材は、あらゆる種類の天候に耐えられます。

This material can withstand all types of weather.

Uses 'あらゆる種類の' for 'all kinds of'.

法的な観点から、契約の種類を厳密に定義する必要があります。

From a legal perspective, it is necessary to strictly define the types of contracts.

High-level legal/formal context.

この現象は、物理学的な種類の分類に当てはまりません。

This phenomenon does not fit into any physical classification types.

Advanced scientific discourse.

彼は、ある種の特権階級に属する種類の人間だ。

He is the sort of person who belongs to a certain privileged class.

Literary/critical description of a person.

言語の種類の多様性は、文化の豊かさを象徴しています。

The diversity of language types symbolizes cultural richness.

Sociolinguistic analysis.

その建築様式は、複数の種類の文化が融合したものです。

That architectural style is a fusion of multiple types of cultures.

Describing complex cultural synthesis.

心理学において、性格の種類を特定する試みは古くから行われてきた。

In psychology, attempts to identify types of personalities have been made since ancient times.

Academic historical overview.

この政策は、特定の種類の企業にのみ恩恵をもたらす恐れがある。

There is a fear that this policy may only benefit specific types of companies.

Political/economic critique.

情報の種類を精査し、その真偽を確かめることが重要だ。

It is important to scrutinize the types of information and verify their authenticity.

Discussing information literacy.

存在論的な議論において、事物の種類の境界は常に流動的である。

In ontological debates, the boundaries between types of things are always fluid.

Highly abstract philosophical usage.

その作家は、人間の持つあらゆる種類の情念を克明に描き出した。

The author vividly depicted every kind of human passion.

Literary analysis of high complexity.

生物学的な種類の定義は、ゲノム解析の進展により再構築されつつある。

The definition of biological species is being reconstructed due to advances in genomic analysis.

Cutting-edge scientific context.

社会構造の変容に伴い、新たな種類の格差が顕在化している。

With the transformation of social structures, new types of inequality are becoming apparent.

Advanced sociological critique.

認識論の枠組みにおいて、知識の種類をどのように区分すべきかが問われている。

In the framework of epistemology, the question of how to categorize types of knowledge is being asked.

Academic philosophical inquiry.

その法案の修正は、多岐にわたる種類の利害関係者の調整を必要とした。

The amendment of the bill required coordination among a wide range of types of stakeholders.

Complex political/legal description.

芸術における表現の種類の拡張は、技術革新と密接に関連している。

The expansion of types of expression in art is closely related to technological innovation.

Art theory and criticism.

言語の恣意性は、事物の種類の切り出し方が文化によって異なることを示唆している。

The arbitrariness of language suggests that the way types of things are carved out differs by culture.

Linguistic and anthropological theory.

Synonyme

タイプジャンルカテゴリー部類品種

Gegenteile

同一単一

Häufige Kollokationen

種類が豊富だ

種類が多い

種類を分ける

新しい種類

どんな種類の

珍しい種類

全～種類

種類を絞る

一種類

同じ種類

Häufige Phrasen

種類を問わず

— Regardless of the type. Used to indicate that something applies to all categories.

種類を問わず、全ての寄付を歓迎します。

多種多様な種類

— A wide variety of types. Emphasizes great diversity.

森には多種多様な種類の植物がある。

種類別に並べる

— To arrange by type. Used in organization or retail.

本を種類別に並べてください。

ある種類の

— A certain kind of. Used to refer to a specific but perhaps unnamed category.

彼はある種類の天才だ。

種類が違う

— The type is different. Used to point out a lack of similarity.

それはさっきのとは種類が違います。

種類が増える

— The types increase. Used when variety grows.

最近、ビールの種類が増えた。

主要な種類

— The main types. Used to identify the most important categories.

これがこの病気の主要な種類です。

限定の種類

— Limited types. Used for special editions or restricted categories.

この店には限定の種類のお菓子がある。

種類を確認する

— To check the type. Used for verification.

チケットの種類を確認してください。

種類がバラバラだ

— The types are all over the place. Used when there is no consistency.

集まった人の種類がバラバラだ。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

種類 vs 書類 (shorui)

Means 'documents.' Only one vowel sound different (o vs u).

種類 vs 修理 (shuuri)

Means 'repair.' Similar sounds but completely different meaning.

種類 vs 主流 (shuryuu)

Means 'mainstream.' Easy to confuse in fast speech.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"同類相憐れむ"

— People of the same kind sympathize with each other. Often used for people in unfortunate situations.

彼らは同類相憐れんでいるようだ。

Literary/Proverb

"類は友を呼ぶ"

— Birds of a feather flock together. People of similar character attract each other.

類は友を呼ぶと言う通り、彼らは仲が良い。

Common Proverb

"類を見ない"

— Unparalleled; unique. Something so rare that no similar 'type' exists.

それは類を見ない大成功だった。

Formal/Journalistic

"～の類い"

— The likes of...; that sort of thing. Often used slightly dismissively.

そんな類いの話は信じられない。

Neutral/Informal

"多種多様"

— A great variety of; diverse.

多種多様な意見が出された。

Formal

"同類項をまとめる"

— To combine like terms (in math), but idiomatically used to group similar things together.

まずは同類項をまとめて整理しよう。

Technical/Metaphorical

"比類なき"

— Incomparable; matchless.

彼は比類なき才能の持ち主だ。

Formal/Literary

"種類が知れる"

— To show one's true colors or 'type.' Usually negative.

あんな行動をするなんて、種類が知れるよ。

Informal/Critical

"一種の"

— A kind of; a sort of. Used to describe something that is difficult to categorize exactly.

それは一種の病気かもしれない。

Neutral

"類推する"

— To reason by analogy; to infer based on similar types.

過去の事例から結果を類推する。

Academic/Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

種類 vs タイプ

Both mean 'type.'

タイプ is more subjective and used for people's styles or personalities. 種類 is objective and used for categories.

彼は私のタイプだ (He is my type) vs この犬の種類は？ (What is this dog's breed/type?)

種類 vs ジャンル

Both mean 'category.'

ジャンル is strictly for arts, music, and media. 種類 is for everything else.

映画のジャンル (Movie genre) vs お茶の種類 (Types of tea)

種類 vs 品種

Both refer to types of living things.

品種 is the technical term for breeds or cultivars. 種類 is more general.

バラの品種 (Rose cultivar) vs 花の種類 (Types of flowers)

種類 vs 部類

Both mean 'category.'

部類 is often used when placing something into a broad class (e.g., 'the lucky category').

彼は天才の部類だ (He is in the genius category).

種類 vs 種別

Both mean 'classification.'

種別 is used on official forms and in administrative contexts.

会員種別 (Membership type).

Satzmuster

どんな種類の [Noun] が好きですか？

どんな種類の果物が好きですか？

[Noun] の種類は [Adjective] です。

パンの種類は多いです。

[Noun] を種類ごとに分けます。

ゴミを種類ごとに分けます。

[Number] 種類の [Noun] があります。

三種類のジュースがあります。

[Noun] の種類によって [Result]。

チケットの種類によって値段が違います。

様々な種類の [Noun] を [Verb]。

様々な種類の本を読みました。

[Noun] は [Specific Type] の部類に入る。

この作品は古典の部類に入る。

[Noun] の種類の境界を [Verb]。

概念の種類の境界を定義する。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

人種 (jinshu) - race

品種 (hinshu) - breed

書類 (shorui) - document

分類 (bunrui) - classification

類語 (ruigo) - synonym

Verben

類する (ruisuru) - to be similar to

分類する (bunruisuru) - to classify

種をまく (tane o maku) - to sow seeds

Adjektive

類まれな (taguimarena) - rare/exceptional

多種な (tashuna) - diverse

同類の (dourui no) - of the same kind

Verwandt

種 (tane/shu) - seed/species

類 (rui) - sort/class

タイプ (taipu) - type

ジャンル (janru) - genre

カテゴリー (kategorii) - category

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Japanese.

Häufige Fehler

Using 種類 to mean 'kind' (gentle). → 優しい (yasashii) or 親切な (shinsetsu-na).
In English, 'kind' has two meanings. In Japanese, 種類 only means 'type/category.'
Saying '彼は私の種類です' for 'He is my type.' → 彼は私のタイプです。
種類 is for objective categories. For personal attraction or personality, use the loanword タイプ.
Forgetting the particle 'の'. → お茶の種類 (Ocha no shurui).
種類 is a noun, so it needs 'の' to connect with another noun.
Confusing 種類 (shurui) with 書類 (shorui). → Use the correct word for the context.
Shurui = Type. Shorui = Document. They sound very similar!
Using 種類 for movie genres. → 映画のジャンル (Eiga no janru).
While '種類' is understood, 'ジャンル' is the standard term for artistic categories.

Tipps

Using the particle 'の'

Always remember to use 'の' when 種類 follows another noun. It's 'パンの種類', not 'パン種類'.

種類 vs タイプ

Use 種類 for things you can count or categorize objectively. Use タイプ for people and personal preferences.

Polite Phrases

Use '種類が豊富ですね' to impress shop staff with your vocabulary when they have a lot of items.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 類 is tricky. Practice writing the left side (米 + 大) and the right side (頁) separately first.

Context Clues

If you hear 'shurui' in a store, they are talking about products. If you hear it in a park, they are talking about plants or animals.

Trash Sorting

Mastering '種類' is essential for living in Japan because of the complex trash sorting (種類分け) rules.

Species Sort

Think of 'SHU' as Species and 'RUI' as Group. Species-Group = Type.

Product Lines

In business meetings, use '製品の種類' to refer to your product lineup.

Menu Reading

Look for the word 種類 on menus to find different variations of a dish (e.g., types of ramen toppings).

Be Precise

Using 種類 makes your Japanese sound more precise than just using 'いろいろ' (various).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'SHU' as a 'Shoe' and 'RUI' as 'Ruined.' 'What KIND of SHOE is RUINED?' This helps you remember the sound and the meaning of 'kind/type.'

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant sorting machine where different 'seeds' (種) are being sorted into 'classes' (類) of boxes. Each box is a different 'SHURUI'.

Word Web

種類 (Type) 分類 (Classification) 品種 (Breed) 人種 (Race) 書類 (Document) 同類 (Same kind) 多種 (Many types) 類語 (Synonym)

Herausforderung

Go to a Japanese supermarket website (like Aeon or Seiyu) and try to find the word 種類 in the category filters. Count how many times it appears on the homepage.

Wortherkunft

The word 種類 comes from Middle Chinese roots. '種' (shu) originally referred to seeds or grains, which were the primary things classified by ancient agricultural societies. '類' (rui) originally meant 'similar' or 'to resemble,' often used to group animals of the same genus.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A grouping of seeds or things that resemble each other.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Kultureller Kontext

When using 種類 to describe people (人種 - race), be aware of the social and historical weight of the term. Use 'タイプ' for personality to avoid sounding like you are classifying people like objects.

English speakers often use 'kind' or 'type' loosely. In Japanese, 種類 is more formal and objective than 'kind.'

The '100 Types of...' (100種類) series of books and products in Japan. Pokémon's catchphrase 'Catch them all' refers to the many 種類 of monsters. Japanese biology textbooks' use of 種類 to explain Darwinian evolution.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping

これの他の種類はありますか？
種類が多すぎて選べない。
一番人気の種類はどれですか？
全種類買いたいです。

Biology/Nature

この鳥の種類は何ですか？
絶滅危惧種の種類。
新しい種類の発見。
植物の種類を調べる。

Work/Office

データの種類を確認する。
書類の種類を分ける。
契約の種類によって条件が違う。
仕事の種類を増やす。

Cooking/Food

スパイスの種類。
色々な種類の野菜。
料理の種類が豊富だ。
パスタの種類を選ぶ。

Hobbies

どんな種類の映画が好き？
カードの種類を集める。
趣味の種類が広い。
新しい種類のスポーツ。

Gesprächseinstiege

"どんな種類の音楽を一番よく聴きますか？ (What kind of music do you listen to most?)"

"このレストラン、ビールの種類がすごく多いですね！ (This restaurant has a lot of types of beer, doesn't it?)"

"ペットを飼うなら、どんな種類の動物がいいですか？ (If you were to have a pet, what kind of animal would you want?)"

"最近、新しい種類の趣味を始めようと思っているんです。 (I'm thinking of starting a new type of hobby recently.)"

"あなたの国には、どんな種類の伝統的な料理がありますか？ (What kind of traditional dishes are there in your country?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、お店で見つけた面白い種類の製品について書いてください。 (Write about an interesting type of product you found at a shop today.)

自分が好きな「種類」のもの（本、映画、食べ物など）をリストアップしてみましょう。 (List the 'types' of things you like, such as books, movies, or food.)

将来、どんな種類の人間になりたいですか？ (What kind of person do you want to be in the future?)

あなたの仕事や勉強には、どんな種類の難しさがありますか？ (What kinds of difficulties are there in your work or studies?)

最近食べた中で、一番珍しい種類の食べ物は何でしたか？ (What was the rarest type of food you've eaten recently?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. Using 種類 for people sounds like you are classifying them as objects or animals. Use 'タイプ' (taipu) for personality or '人種' (jinshu) for race.

カテゴリー is a loanword. It's often used in digital contexts (website categories) or academic settings. 種類 is the more natural, everyday Japanese word.

Yes, it can be. You can say '一種類' (one type), '二種類' (two types), etc. It is very common to use it this way.

The most common way is 'どんな種類の [Noun]...?' or just 'どんな [Noun]...?'.

Yes, in general conversation. In strict biology, '種' (shu) is used for species, but 種類 is common in general science talk.

Both are correct. 豊富 (houfu) sounds slightly more sophisticated and is often used in advertising. 多い (ooi) is simple and common.

It means 'sorting' or 'categorizing' things into their respective types.

You can, but 'ジャンル' (janru) is much more common when talking about musical styles like Rock or Jazz.

Yes, to describe 'types of data' (データの種類), though 'データ型' is the technical term for 'data type'.

Japanese often uses two kanji to create a more specific meaning. 種 (species) + 類 (sort) = 種類 (category/type).

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