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B1 noun #3,500 most common 13 min read

比率

hiritsu Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 比率 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 比率 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 比率 (hiritsu) frequently, as it is a bit technical. However, it is good to understand that it means 'ratio' or 'how many of one thing compared to another.' Think of it like comparing two groups, like boys and girls in a class. You might see it in very simple charts. Instead of 比率, you will mostly use words like '半分' (hanbun - half) or 'たくさん' (takasuan - many). If you see 比率, just remember it's about comparing numbers. For example, a 1:1 ratio is a simple 比率. You might see it in a basic math problem or a very simple news headline about people. Focus on the idea of 'comparing' (比) and 'rate' (率). It's a formal way to talk about parts of a whole.

At the A2 level, you can start recognizing 比率 (hiritsu) in simple news articles or school contexts. You might use it to describe simple things like 'the ratio of students to teachers' or 'the ratio of ingredients' in a recipe. You should know that it is a noun and often used with the particle 'の' (e.g., AとBの比率). At this stage, you might still prefer the word '割合' (wariai) for everyday things, but you should recognize that 比率 is more formal. You will often see it followed by '高い' (high) or '低い' (low). For instance, 'The ratio of women is high' (女性の比率が高い). This is a useful word for describing simple statistics you might find in a beginner-level textbook or a basic infographic.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 比率 (hiritsu) in more formal situations, such as in a work meeting or a structured essay. You should understand the difference between 比率 and 割合. Use 比率 when you are talking about a specific mathematical ratio (like 2:3) or in a professional report. You should be comfortable with patterns like '〜に対する〜の比率' (the ratio of B relative to A). This level requires you to discuss social issues, so you might use 比率 to talk about the 'aging population ratio' or 'unemployment ratio.' You should also know common verbs that go with it, like '上昇する' (to rise) and '低下する' (to fall). It's a key word for describing trends and data in a slightly more sophisticated way than just saying 'many' or 'few'.

At the B2 level, 比率 (hiritsu) should be a natural part of your vocabulary for discussing complex topics like economics, science, and sociology. You should be able to use compound words like '構成比率' (composition ratio) or '男女比率' (gender ratio) without hesitation. You will understand nuanced differences, such as why a scientific paper uses 比率 instead of 割合. You should also be able to describe how ratios affect other things, using structures like '比率を調整する' (adjust the ratio) or '比率を維持する' (maintain the ratio). At this stage, you are not just describing data; you are analyzing it. You might use 比率 to argue a point in a debate, such as 'The high ratio of renewable energy is key to our strategy.' You are expected to use the word with high-level adjectives and verbs correctly.

At the C1 level, your use of 比率 (hiritsu) should be precise and varied. You will encounter it in academic journals, legal documents, and high-level business strategy sessions. You should be able to discuss complex ratios like '自己資本比率' (capital adequacy ratio) or '有効求人倍率' (active job openings-to-applicants ratio - though this uses 'bairitsu', the concept is similar). You will understand how 比率 fits into broader statistical models. You should also be able to use it metaphorically or in abstract contexts, such as the 'ratio of risk to reward.' Your mastery of collocations should be perfect, and you should be able to critique the use of ratios in news reports or research. You use 比率 to provide exact, data-driven evidence for complex arguments in both written and spoken Japanese.

At the C2 level, 比率 (hiritsu) is a tool for nuanced and sophisticated discourse. You can use it to discuss the philosophical or mathematical implications of proportions in art (黄金比率), or the systemic implications of demographic ratios on national policy. You are comfortable using it in highly specialized fields, from quantum physics to macroeconomics. You can effortlessly switch between 比率 and its synonyms to achieve the exact tone and precision required for your audience. You understand the historical development of the term and its kanji roots. In high-level negotiations or academic defenses, you use 比率 to define parameters and boundaries with absolute clarity. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a fundamental concept you use to navigate and describe the complex structures of the world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

比率 in 30 Seconds

比率 (hiritsu) is a formal Japanese noun meaning 'ratio' or 'proportion,' used to compare the quantitative relationship between two or more values in technical contexts.
It is commonly found in business, science, and news reports, often describing demographic data, financial indicators, or specific mathematical formulas like 1:3.
Unlike the more casual '割合' (wariai), 比率 focuses on the calculated relationship between distinct entities rather than just a general portion of a whole.
Commonly paired with adjectives like 'high' (高い) or 'low' (低い) and verbs like 'increase' (上昇する) or 'decrease' (低下する) to describe trends.

The Japanese word 比率 (hiritsu) is a fundamental noun used to describe the quantitative relationship between two or more quantities. In its essence, it translates to 'ratio' or 'proportion' in English. While it shares some semantic space with the word 割合 (wariai), 比率 is generally more formal, technical, and precise. It is the word of choice in mathematics, economics, sociology, and official reporting. When you use 比率, you are specifically highlighting the mathematical comparison between numbers, such as a 2:1 ratio or a specific percentage that represents a part of a whole. In the context of modern Japan, you will frequently encounter this word in news reports discussing demographic shifts, such as the 'ratio of elderly people' (高齢者の比率) or in financial news regarding 'profit ratios' (利益の比率). It is a versatile term that bridges the gap between everyday statistical observation and rigorous scientific analysis.

Mathematical Context: In academic settings, 比率 refers to the quotient of two numbers. For example, if there are 10 apples and 5 oranges, the ratio of apples to oranges is expressed as a 比率 of 2 to 1.

この学校では、教師と生徒の比率は一対二十です。(In this school, the ratio of teachers to students is one to twenty.)

Beyond simple math, 比率 is crucial in business. Companies analyze their 'debt-to-equity ratio' or 'liquidity ratio' to determine financial health. In these contexts, using the word 割合 might sound slightly too casual or imprecise. 比率 implies that a calculation has been performed and that the resulting figure is a key indicator for decision-making. Furthermore, in social sciences, 比率 is used to describe population dynamics. For instance, the 'gender ratio' (男女比率) is a common topic of discussion in human geography and sociology. The word carries a sense of objectivity and data-driven insight.

Demographic Usage: Used to describe the makeup of a group. For example, the 'ratio of foreign workers' (外国人労働者の比率) in a specific industry or city.

都市部における若者の比率が低下している。(The ratio of young people in urban areas is decreasing.)

In artistic and design contexts, 比率 appears in the term 'golden ratio' (黄金比率). Here, it signifies a specific, aesthetically pleasing proportion. This demonstrates that 比率 isn't just about dry statistics; it's also about balance and harmony. Whether you are discussing the composition of a painting or the aspect ratio (アスペクト比率) of a television screen, this word is indispensable. It conveys the idea that parts are being weighed against one another to create a specific whole or relationship.

Scientific Precision: Used in chemistry and physics to describe the proportions of elements in a compound or the ratio of forces.

成分の混合比率を正確に測定する必要がある。(It is necessary to accurately measure the mixing ratio of the components.)

Finally, 比率 is often paired with verbs like 高まる (takamaru - to rise), 低下する (teika suru - to fall), or 維持する (iji suru - to maintain). These pairings help describe trends over time. For example, 'The ratio of renewable energy is rising' (再生可能エネルギーの比率が高まっている). This usage is very common in journalism and policy discussions. Understanding 比率 allows you to engage with high-level Japanese content regarding the environment, economy, and society. It is a word that signifies you are moving beyond basic Japanese into the realm of professional and intellectual discourse.

売上に対する広告費の比率を計算してください。(Please calculate the ratio of advertising costs to sales.)

画面の縦横の比率が合っていない。(The aspect ratio of the screen is not correct.)

Using 比率 correctly requires an understanding of how it fits into Japanese sentence structures, particularly regarding particles and common verb collocations. The word itself acts as a noun, meaning it can be the subject, object, or part of a descriptive phrase. The most frequent pattern you will see is [Noun A] と [Noun B] の比率, which translates to 'the ratio of Noun A and Noun B'. This is essential for comparing two distinct entities. For instance, if you are discussing the ratio of salt to water in a solution, you would say 塩と水の比率 (shio to mizu no hiritsu). This structure is the backbone of mathematical and scientific Japanese.

Comparison Pattern: [A] と [B] の比率は [X] 対 [Y] です。 (The ratio of A and B is X to Y.)

小麦粉と砂糖の比率は三対一です。(The ratio of flour and sugar is three to one.)

Another common pattern involves the particle 'に' to indicate what the ratio is relative to. For example, [Noun A] に対する [Noun B] の比率 means 'the ratio of Noun B relative to Noun A'. This is often used in business contexts, such as 'the ratio of profit relative to sales' (売上に対する利益の比率). This structure is more formal and allows for a clear definition of the baseline for the comparison. When you want to describe how a ratio is changing, you will use verbs like 増える (fueru - increase), 減る (heru - decrease), or the more formal variants like 増加する (zouka suru) and 減少する (genshou suru). These verbs help paint a dynamic picture of statistical trends.

Relative Ratio Pattern: [A] に対する [B] の比率が [Verb]。 (The ratio of B to A [Verb].)

全人口に対する高齢者の比率が急激に上昇している。(The ratio of elderly people relative to the total population is rising sharply.)

In more advanced contexts, 比率 can be used to describe the 'composition' or 'makeup' of something. For instance, 構成比率 (kousei hiritsu) refers to the 'composition ratio'. This is widely used in corporate annual reports to show which departments or products contribute most to the total revenue. You might say 'Product A's composition ratio is 40%' (製品Aの構成比率は40%です). This specific compound noun is very useful for anyone working in a Japanese corporate environment. Furthermore, when discussing the results of a survey, you might use 比率 to describe the breakdown of responses. For example, 'The ratio of people who answered "Yes"' (「はい」と答えた人の比率).

Action Verbs: 比率を計算する (Calculate the ratio), 比率を保つ (Maintain the ratio), 比率を変える (Change the ratio).

投資の比率を慎重に検討しなければならない。(We must carefully consider the ratio of our investments.)

Finally, let's look at how 比率 is used in passive or descriptive sentences. You can say [Noun] の比率が高い (The ratio of [Noun] is high) or [Noun] の比率が低い (The ratio of [Noun] is low). This is the simplest way to describe a statistical state. For example, 'The ratio of women in management' (管理職における女性の比率). If this is low, you would say 管理職における女性の比率が低い. This straightforward structure is perfect for presentations and summaries where you need to convey data quickly and clearly. By mastering these patterns, you can use 比率 to discuss everything from cake recipes to global economic trends with confidence.

この地域の森林の比率は全国平均より高い。(The ratio of forests in this region is higher than the national average.)

適切な比率で肥料を混ぜる。(Mix the fertilizer in the proper ratio.)

While you might not hear 比率 in a casual conversation between friends at a café (where they would likely use 割合 or just say 'half' or 'most'), you will certainly hear it in any environment where data is discussed. The most common place is the nightly news. News anchors frequently use 比率 when reporting on government statistics, economic indicators, or social trends. For example, during an election, they might discuss the 'ratio of votes' (得票比率) or the 'ratio of support' (支持比率) for different candidates. Hearing this word in a broadcast is a signal that the information being presented is based on formal data or research.

News & Media: Used in reports on demographics, election results, and economic growth. It provides a sense of authority and precision to the reporting.

最新の調査によると、共働き世帯の比率が過去最高となりました。(According to the latest survey, the ratio of dual-income households has reached a record high.)

Another prime location for 比率 is the workplace, especially during meetings. If you work in marketing, finance, or engineering in Japan, 比率 will be a constant companion. Marketing professionals might talk about the 'ratio of new customers to returning customers' (新規顧客とリピート顧客の比率). Financial analysts will use it to discuss 'profitability ratios' (収益性の比率). In these settings, using the correct terminology like 比率 shows that you are professional and capable of handling data. It is the language of the 'kaigi' (meeting) and the 'houkokusho' (report).

Business Meetings: Essential for discussing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), budget allocations, and market share analysis.

来期の予算における研究開発費の比率を上げたいと考えています。(We are considering increasing the ratio of R&D expenses in next term's budget.)

Education is another sphere where 比率 is common. Teachers use it in math and science classes, and school administrators use it to discuss 'student-to-teacher ratios' or 'admission ratios' (倍率 - bairitsu is also used here, but 比率 is the general term for the ratio itself). If you are a student in Japan or are reading about the Japanese education system, you will see 比率 used to compare the number of students who pass an exam versus those who take it. It is also used in university research papers across almost every discipline.

Academic Settings: Found in textbooks, research papers, and lectures to describe experimental results or mathematical relationships.

この実験では、水素と酸素の比率を二対一に設定します。(In this experiment, we set the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen to two to one.)

Finally, you might encounter 比率 in lifestyle contexts, specifically regarding health and cooking, though usually in a more instructional or scientific way. For example, a health magazine might discuss the 'ideal ratio of nutrients' (理想的な栄養素の比率) or the 'ratio of muscle to fat' in the body. In high-end cooking or baking books, where precision is key, 比率 is used to describe the exact proportions of ingredients needed to achieve a perfect result. While a home cook might say 'put in a bit of this and a bit of that,' a professional chef or a serious cookbook will talk about the 比率 of the ingredients.

健康を維持するためには、食事の栄養比率が重要です。(To maintain health, the nutritional ratio of your meals is important.)

このソースの美味しさの秘密は、酢と油の絶妙な比率にあります。(The secret to this sauce's deliciousness lies in the exquisite ratio of vinegar and oil.)

The most common mistake learners make with 比率 is confusing it with its close cousin, 割合 (wariai). While both can be translated as 'ratio' or 'proportion,' their usage is not always interchangeable. 割合 is much broader and is used in everyday conversation to mean 'rate,' 'percentage,' or 'comparatively.' For example, if you want to say 'The ratio of people who like cats is high,' you would likely use 割合 (猫が好きな人の割合が高い). If you use 比率 here, it sounds overly clinical or technical. Think of 割合 as 'the portion of the whole' and 比率 as 'the mathematical relationship between X and Y.'

比率 vs. 割合: Use 比率 for specific ratios like 1:2 or 3:5. Use 割合 for general percentages or when saying 'a large portion of...'

❌ このクラスは女子の比率が多い。
✅ このクラスは女子の割合が高い。(The percentage of girls in this class is high.)

Another mistake is using the wrong adjectives with 比率. In English, we might say a ratio is 'big' or 'small.' In Japanese, however, 比率 is almost always paired with 高い (takai - high) or 低い (hikui - low). Using 大きい (ookii - big) or 小さい (chiisai - small) is technically understandable but sounds unnatural to native speakers. When the ratio changes, it 'rises' (上昇する) or 'falls' (低下する), rather than 'growing' or 'shrinking.' This distinction is important for sounding natural in formal writing and speech.

Collocation Error: Mistake: 比率が大きい (The ratio is big). Correct: 比率が高い (The ratio is high).

❌ 利益の比率が大きくなった。
✅ 利益の比率が高まった。(The profit ratio increased/rose.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 比率 with 効率 (kouritsu), which means 'efficiency.' While they sound similar because they share the kanji 率 (rate), they are completely different concepts. 効率 is about how much output you get for a certain amount of input (e.g., fuel efficiency, work efficiency), while 比率 is simply the relationship between two numbers. If you tell your boss you want to improve the 'ratio' of the factory when you mean 'efficiency,' they might be very confused! Always double-check which 'rate' you are referring to.

Kanji Confusion: 比率 (Hiritsu) = Ratio. 効率 (Kouritsu) = Efficiency. 確率 (Kakuritsu) = Probability.

❌ 仕事の比率を上げたい。
✅ 仕事の効率を上げたい。(I want to improve work efficiency.)

Lastly, be careful with the particle usage in comparisons. As mentioned before, the standard is [A] と [B] の比率. Some learners mistakenly use [A] の [B] 比率, which can sometimes work but is often ambiguous. For example, 'The ratio of men and women' should be 男女の比率 (danjo no hiritsu) or 男と女の比率 (otoko to onna no hiritsu). Using the 'と' (and) makes it clear that you are comparing two distinct groups. Without it, the sentence can become muddled. Precision in particles leads to precision in meaning, which is exactly what the word 比率 is all about.

❌ 水の砂糖比率。
✅ 水と砂糖の比率。(The ratio of water and sugar.)

To truly master 比率, you need to understand where it sits among its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' and context where it is most appropriate. The most common alternative is 割合 (wariai). As discussed, 割合 is more versatile and common in daily life. It can mean ratio, percentage, or even 'relatively' when used as an adverb (割合に - wariai ni). While 比率 is focused on the math, 割合 is focused on the 'part of the whole.' If you are looking at a pie chart, you are seeing 割合. If you are looking at the comparison between two different charts, you might be looking at a 比率.

比率 vs. 割合 (Wariai): 比率: Technical, mathematical ratio (e.g., 1:3).
割合: General percentage, portion, or 'relatively' (e.g., 50%).

今日のテストは割合に簡単だった。(Today's test was relatively easy. - *You cannot use 比率 here.*)

Another related word is 比例 (hirei), which means 'proportion' in a functional or mathematical sense, often used in the phrase 'in proportion to' (〜に比例して). While 比率 is a static measurement of a ratio, 比例 describes a dynamic relationship where one thing changes as another does. For example, 'Success is in proportion to effort' would use 比例 (成功は努力に比例する). If you are talking about the fixed ratio itself, you use 比率; if you are talking about how two things move together, you use 比例.

比率 vs. 比例 (Hirei): 比率: The ratio itself (The ratio is 1:2).
比例: The relationship of moving in tandem (A increases in proportion to B).

給料は経験に比例して上がる。(Salary increases in proportion to experience.)

In specific technical fields, you might also see 係数 (keisuu), which means 'coefficient' or 'factor.' This is used when a ratio is used as a multiplier in a formula. For example, in physics or engineering, you might have a 'friction coefficient.' While this is technically a ratio, the word 係数 is the standard term in those formulas. Similarly, 指数 (shisuu) means 'index' or 'exponent.' This is used for numbers that represent a ratio relative to a base year or standard, such as the 'Consumer Price Index' (消費者物価指数). These words are more specialized than 比率 but belong to the same family of statistical terms.

Specialized Terms: 係数 (Keisuu): Coefficient/Factor (multiplier).
指数 (Shisuu): Index (ratio relative to a base standard).

不快指数が上がると、イライラしやすくなる。(When the discomfort index rises, it's easy to get frustrated.)

Finally, for very simple everyday contexts, people often just use パーセンテージ (percentage) or パーセント (percent). While 比率 is the formal word for the concept of a ratio, if you just want to say '50 percent,' saying 50パーセント is the most natural way to do it. 比率 would be used if you were discussing the *concept* of that percentage in a report. For example, 'The percentage of people who smoke' (喫煙者の比率) vs. '30 percent of people smoke' (30パーセントの人がタバコを吸う). Knowing when to use the loanword versus the kanji word is a hallmark of an advanced learner.

リサイクル品の比率を50パーセントまで上げたい。(We want to raise the ratio of recycled items to 50 percent.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 比 originated from a pictograph of two people standing side-by-side to compare their heights. The kanji 率 originally depicted a rope used for measuring or catching, which evolved to mean 'standard' or 'rate.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK hi.ɾi.tsɯ

US hi.ɾi.tsɯ

Japanese does not have stress like English; it uses pitch accent. For 比率 (hiritsu), the pitch starts low and rises, then stays flat (Heiban style: L-H-H).

Rhymes With

機密 (kimitsu) 親密 (shinmitsu) 規律 (kiritsu) 事実 (jijitsu) 果実 (kajitsu) 真実 (shinjitsu) 誠実 (seijitsu) 現実 (genjitsu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'too'. It should have a soft 'ts' sound like 'cats'.
Over-stressing the 'ri' syllable. Keep the rhythm even.
Confusing the pitch with 'hitsu' (brush/pen).
Mixing up with 'hiritsu' meaning 'non-rate' (though rare).
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a flap/tap.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge. Easy to read once the 'ritsu' radical is known.

Writing 4/5

The kanji '率' has many strokes and can be tricky to write correctly without practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'kouritsu' (efficiency) or 'kakuritsu' (probability) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

比べる (kuraberu - to compare) 数 (kazu - number) 高い (takai - high) 低い (hikui - low) 対 (tai - versus/to)

Learn Next

割合 (wariai - percentage/proportion) 比例 (hirei - proportion/direct ratio) 効率 (kouritsu - efficiency) 統計 (toukei - statistics) 分析 (bunseki - analysis)

Advanced

回帰分析 (kaiki bunseki - regression analysis) 相関係数 (soukan keisuu - correlation coefficient) 標準偏差 (hyoujun hensa - standard deviation) 幾何学 (kikagaku - geometry)

Grammar to Know

Using '対' (tai) for ratios

比率は三対一 (3:1) です。

Particle 'に対する' (ni taisuru) for 'relative to'

売上に対する利益の比率。

Noun + の + 比率

子供の比率。

Using '占める' (shimeru) with ratios

全体に占める比率は大きい。

Comparison with '〜に比べて' (ni kurabete)

去年に比べて比率が上がった。

Examples by Level

このクラスの男女の比率は一対一です。

The ratio of men and women in this class is one to one.

Uses 'AとBの比率' (ratio of A and B).

砂糖と水の比率を教えてください。

Please tell me the ratio of sugar and water.

Simple object of a request.

比率が高いですね。

The ratio is high, isn't it?

Adjective '高い' (high) modifying '比率'.

この比率は正しいですか？

Is this ratio correct?

Simple question with '正しい' (correct).

赤と青の比率は二対三です。

The ratio of red and blue is two to three.

Using '対' (tai) for ratio expression.

比率を計算しましょう。

Let's calculate the ratio.

Volitional form '〜ましょう'.

その比率は低いです。

That ratio is low.

Adjective '低い' (low) modifying '比率'.

比率を覚えていますか？

Do you remember the ratio?

Verb '覚える' (to remember) in continuous form.

教師と生徒の比率は一対二十です。

The ratio of teachers to students is one to twenty.

Formal comparison of groups.

この地域の子供の比率は低下しています。

The ratio of children in this area is decreasing.

Verb '低下する' (to decrease/fall).

適切な比率で混ぜてください。

Please mix it in the appropriate ratio.

Adverbial use '適切な比率で'.

外国人の比率が高い町です。

It is a town with a high ratio of foreigners.

Noun phrase modifying '町'.

比率をグラフにしました。

I made the ratios into a graph.

Object '比率' with 'を' and 'にする'.

成功の比率を上げたいです。

I want to increase the ratio of success.

Desire form '〜たい'.

比率が去年と違います。

The ratio is different from last year.

Comparison '〜と違う'.

肉と野菜の比率を変えましょう。

Let's change the ratio of meat and vegetables.

Verb '変える' (to change).

売上に対する利益の比率を計算してください。

Please calculate the ratio of profit relative to sales.

Pattern '〜に対する〜の比率'.

高齢者の比率が急速に高まっています。

The ratio of elderly people is rising rapidly.

Adverb '急速に' and verb '高まる'.

この投資の比率はリスクが高いです。

The ratio of this investment has a high risk.

Describing the quality of a specific ratio.

画面の縦横の比率を調整してください。

Please adjust the aspect ratio of the screen.

Technical term usage in a request.

男女の比率を均等に保つ必要があります。

It is necessary to maintain the ratio of men and women equally.

Verb '保つ' (to maintain) and '必要がある'.

アンケートの回答比率を分析しました。

I analyzed the response ratio of the survey.

Compound noun '回答比率'.

コストの比率を下げるための計画です。

This is a plan to lower the cost ratio.

Noun phrase '比率を下げるための'.

合格者の比率は例年通りでした。

The ratio of successful candidates was as usual.

Expression '例年通り' (as in average years).

自己資本比率の向上は、企業の安定性に直結します。

Improving the capital adequacy ratio directly links to a company's stability.

Business term '自己資本比率' and '直結する'.

再生可能エネルギーの比率を50%まで引き上げる方針です。

The policy is to raise the ratio of renewable energy to 50%.

Verb '引き上げる' (to raise/pull up).

この化学反応では、触媒の比率が鍵となります。

In this chemical reaction, the ratio of the catalyst is the key.

Metaphorical '鍵となる' (to be the key).

労働力人口における女性の比率は、依然として低水準です。

The ratio of women in the labor force remains at a low level.

Formal '依然として' and '低水準'.

製品の不良品比率を最小限に抑える努力をしています。

We are making efforts to keep the ratio of defective products to a minimum.

Compound '不良品比率' and '最小限に抑える'.

都市部と地方の人口比率の格差が広がっています。

The disparity in the population ratio between urban and rural areas is widening.

Noun '格差' (disparity/gap).

成分の混合比率を誤ると、品質が著しく低下します。

If you make a mistake in the mixing ratio of components, the quality will drop significantly.

Conditional '〜と' and adverb '著しく' (significantly).

広告宣伝費の比率を再検討する時期に来ています。

The time has come to reconsider the ratio of advertising expenses.

Phrasal '時期に来ている'.

有効求人倍率の推移は、景気の動向を反映する重要な指標である。

The transition of the active job openings-to-applicants ratio is an important indicator reflecting economic trends.

Highly formal '推移' (transition) and '指標' (indicator).

ポートフォリオ内の資産比率をリバランスし、リスクを分散させる。

Rebalance the asset ratios within the portfolio to diversify risk.

Loanwords 'ポートフォリオ' and 'リバランス'.

社会保障費の国家予算に占める比率は、年々増大している。

The ratio of social security expenses in the national budget is increasing year by year.

Structure '〜に占める比率' (the ratio occupying...).

黄金比率は、古代から美の基準として建築や芸術に用いられてきた。

The golden ratio has been used in architecture and art as a standard of beauty since ancient times.

Passive form '用いられてきた' (has been used).

この物質の同位体比率を測定することで、年代を特定できる。

By measuring the isotope ratio of this substance, the age can be identified.

Scientific term '同位体比率' (isotope ratio).

議席の獲得比率と得票率の乖離が、選挙制度の課題となっている。

The divergence between the ratio of seats won and the percentage of votes cast is an issue in the electoral system.

Formal '乖離' (divergence/gap).

原材料費の比率が高騰し、企業の収益を圧迫している。

The ratio of raw material costs has soared, putting pressure on corporate profits.

Verb '高騰する' (to soar) and '圧迫する' (to pressure).

遺伝子の発現比率を制御するメカニズムの解明が進んでいる。

Elucidation of the mechanism that controls the gene expression ratio is progressing.

Scientific '遺伝子の発現比率' (gene expression ratio).

人口動態の変容に伴い、従属人口比率の急増が社会構造の根幹を揺るがしている。

Accompanying the transformation of demographics, the rapid increase in the dependency ratio is shaking the very foundation of social structures.

Academic '人口動態' (demographics) and '根幹を揺るがす' (shake the foundation).

法域間の租税負担比率の不均衡を是正するため、国際的な協調が求められる。

International coordination is required to rectify the imbalance in tax burden ratios between jurisdictions.

Legal/Political '租税負担比率' and '是正する' (to rectify).

アルゴリズムにおけるバイアスの比率を定量化する試みが、倫理的観点から重要視されている。

Attempts to quantify the ratio of bias in algorithms are being prioritized from an ethical perspective.

Technical '定量化する' (to quantify) and '重要視される' (to be prioritized).

債務対GDP比率の持続可能性に関する議論は、マクロ経済政策の中核をなす。

The debate regarding the sustainability of the debt-to-GDP ratio forms the core of macroeconomic policy.

Economic '債務対GDP比率' (Debt-to-GDP ratio).

生態系における捕食者と被食者の個体数比率は、動的な平衡状態を保っている。

The population ratio of predators and prey in an ecosystem maintains a dynamic equilibrium.

Biological '動的な平衡状態' (dynamic equilibrium).

文学作品における語彙の出現比率を計量的に分析することで、作者の特定が可能となる。

By quantitatively analyzing the frequency ratio of vocabulary in literary works, it becomes possible to identify the author.

Linguistic '出現比率' (frequency ratio) and '計量的' (quantitative).

資産配分の比率をマーケットのボラティリティに応じて動的に変更する戦略を採用する。

Adopt a strategy that dynamically changes the ratio of asset allocation according to market volatility.

Financial 'ボラティリティ' and '動的に変更する'.

都市計画において、緑地の比率を法的に義務付ける動きが世界的に加速している。

In urban planning, the movement to legally mandate the ratio of green spaces is accelerating worldwide.

Administrative '法的に義務付ける' (to legally mandate).

Synonyms

割合比プロポーション歩合

Antonyms

絶対数

Common Collocations

比率が高い

比率が低い

比率を計算する

比率を維持する

比率が上昇する

比率が低下する

構成比率

投資比率

黄金比率

混合比率

Common Phrases

一対一の比率

— A one-to-one ratio. Used when two things are equal in quantity.

水と油を一対一の比率で混ぜる。

圧倒的な比率

— An overwhelming ratio. Used when one part is much larger than the others.

圧倒的な比率で賛成票が集まった。

一定の比率

— A constant or fixed ratio. Used when a proportion does not change.

一定の比率で報酬を支払う。

理想的な比率

— An ideal ratio. Used for perfect proportions in health or design.

理想的な比率の栄養を摂る。

人口比率

— Population ratio. Used in demographics to compare groups.

この地域の人口比率を調査する。

男女比率

— Gender ratio. The proportion of males to females.

職場の男女比率を改善する。

画面比率

— Aspect ratio (for screens). The ratio of width to height.

画面比率を16対9に設定する。

成功比率

— Success ratio. The rate of successful outcomes.

この実験の成功比率は高い。

自己資本比率

— Capital adequacy ratio. A key financial health indicator for banks.

自己資本比率が基準を下回った。

投票比率

— Voting ratio. The proportion of votes cast.

若者の投票比率を上げることが課題だ。

Often Confused With

比率 vs 割合 (Wariai)

Wariai is more for 'percentage' or 'portion of a whole' in daily life. Hiritsu is for formal 'ratios'.

比率 vs 効率 (Kouritsu)

Kouritsu means 'efficiency'. It sounds similar but refers to performance, not ratio.

比率 vs 確率 (Kakuritsu)

Kakuritsu means 'probability' or 'chance'. It is also a statistical term but refers to likelihood.

Idioms & Expressions

"黄金比率 (Ougon Hiritsu)"

— The Golden Ratio (approx. 1:1.618). Used in art and architecture.

パルテノン神殿には黄金比率が使われている。

Academic/Artistic

"一対多の比率 (Ittaita no hiritsu)"

— A one-to-many ratio. Used to describe a situation where one person faces many.

その議論は一対多の比率で行われた。

Neutral

"絶妙な比率 (Zetsumyou na hiritsu)"

— An exquisite or perfect ratio. Used for taste or balance.

このスープは塩と出汁の比率が絶妙だ。

Neutral

"不均衡な比率 (Fukinkou na hiritsu)"

— An imbalanced ratio. Used when proportions are not fair or equal.

不均衡な比率で仕事が割り振られた。

Formal

"固定比率 (Kotei hiritsu)"

— Fixed ratio. A term in finance or psychology (fixed ratio schedule).

固定比率でボーナスが支給される。

Formal/Technical

"変動比率 (Hendou hiritsu)"

— Variable ratio. Used when a proportion changes over time.

売上に応じて変動比率で経費を計算する。

Formal/Technical

"累積比率 (Ruiseki hiritsu)"

— Cumulative ratio. Used in statistics for running totals.

データの累積比率をグラフ化する。

Academic

"有効比率 (Yuukou hiritsu)"

— Effective ratio. The actual useful proportion of something.

この肥料の有効比率は高い。

Technical

"実質比率 (Jisshitsu hiritsu)"

— Real/Actual ratio. The true ratio after adjustments.

インフレを考慮した実質比率を算出する。

Economic

"相関比率 (Soukan hiritsu)"

— Correlation ratio. A statistical measure of relationship.

二つの変数の相関比率を調査する。

Academic

Easily Confused

比率 vs 割合 (Wariai)

Both mean ratio/proportion.

割合 is for general percentages and daily use. 比率 is for specific, formal mathematical ratios (e.g., 1:2).

割合が高い (General high percentage) vs. 比率を計算する (Calculate the specific ratio).

比率 vs 効率 (Kouritsu)

They share the '率' (ritsu) kanji.

効率 is about how well something works (efficiency). 比率 is about the amount of things compared (ratio).

効率を上げる (Increase efficiency).

比率 vs 比例 (Hirei)

They share the '比' (hi) kanji and both relate to proportions.

比例 is a dynamic relationship (A increases as B does). 比率 is a static measurement (The ratio is X).

努力に比例する (In proportion to effort).

比率 vs 倍率 (Bairitsu)

Both involve comparison of numbers.

倍率 is specifically for magnification or competition ratios (applicants per seat). 比率 is the general term for any ratio.

顕微鏡の倍率 (Microscope magnification).

比率 vs 指数 (Shisuu)

Both are technical statistical terms.

指数 is an 'index' relative to a base point. 比率 is a direct ratio between two current values.

不快指数 (Discomfort index).

Sentence Patterns

AとBの比率は[Number]対[Number]です。

水と米の比率は一対一です。

[Noun]の比率が高い/低い。

この会社は女性の比率が高い。

[Noun]に対する[Noun]の比率。

売上に対するコストの比率。

[Noun]の比率が上昇/低下している。

高齢者の比率が上昇している。

比率を[Number]パーセントに維持する。

不良品比率を1パーセント以下に維持する。

[Noun]に占める[Noun]の比率。

予算に占める教育費の比率。

比率をリバランス/調整する。

資産の比率をリバランスする。

[Noun]比率の不均衡を是正する。

人口比率の不均衡を是正する。

Word Family

Nouns

比 (hi - comparison)

率 (ritsu - rate)

割合 (wariai - percentage)

比例 (hirei - proportion)

Verbs

比する (hisuru - to compare/be equal to)

比例する (hireisuru - to be in proportion to)

Adjectives

比率的な (hiritsuteki na - proportional - rare)

比例的な (hireiteki na - proportional)

パーセント (percent)

計算 (keisan - calculation)

統計 (toukei - statistics)

分析 (bunseki - analysis)

構成 (kousei - composition)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and academic contexts; moderate in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 比率が大きい (big ratio). → 比率が高い (high ratio).
In Japanese, ratios are 'high' or 'low', not 'big' or 'small'.
Using 比率 for 'relatively'. → 割合に (wariai ni).
比率 is a noun and cannot be used as an adverb to mean 'relatively'.
Confusing 比率 with 効率 (efficiency). → 仕事の効率を上げる。
Efficiency is about performance; ratio is about the relationship between amounts.
Saying 'AのB比率' incorrectly. → AとBの比率。
Using 'と' makes it clear you are comparing two distinct groups.
Using 比率 for 'probability'. → 確率 (kakuritsu).
If you are talking about the chance of something happening, use 確率.

Tips

Formal Writing

Always use 比率 in business reports or academic essays to appear more professional. It shows you are thinking analytically.

Particle Choice

Use 'と' to connect the two things being compared (AとBの比率). Use 'に対する' to show what the ratio is measured against.

High/Low

Remember: 比率が高い (High) / 比率が低い (Low). Don't use 'ookii' or 'chiisai'.

Pitch Accent

比率 is a Heiban (flat) word. Keep your voice steady after the initial rise on 'hi'.

Data Visualization

When you see a pie chart, think '割合' (wariai). When you see a comparison between two amounts, think '比率' (hiritsu).

Hi-Ri-Tsu

History-Results-Two. Ratios are a history of results between two things!

Gender Ratios

The term 男女比率 (danjo hiritsu) is a very common way to discuss diversity in Japanese workplaces.

Kanji Roots

比 (compare) + 率 (rate). If you remember the kanji meanings, the word is easy to define.

KPIs

In a Japanese office, you'll often hear about 'profit ratio' (利益比率). Learn this to follow financial discussions.

Read the News

Watch NHK News. You will hear 比率 almost every day in reports about the economy or population.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'HI' as 'High' and 'RITSU' as 'Rate.' A 'High Rate' of comparison gives you a ratio. Or, visualize someone saying 'HI' to a 'RITSU' (ritual) of comparing numbers.

Visual Association

Imagine a scale (比) weighing two different rates (率) of gold and silver. The balance they find is the 比率.

Word Web

Math Statistics Comparison Percentage Business Data Balance Proportion

Challenge

Try to find three different '比率' in your daily life today. For example, the ratio of coffee to milk in your cup, or the ratio of work time to break time.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two Kanji characters: 比 (hi) meaning 'to compare' or 'to match,' and 率 (ritsu) meaning 'rate,' 'ratio,' or 'proportion.' It is a Sinitic compound (Kango) that has been used in Japanese for centuries to denote mathematical and comparative relationships.

Original meaning: The combination literally means 'the rate of comparison.'

Japanese (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

When discussing '男女比率' (gender ratio) in Japan, be aware that it is a sensitive topic related to workplace equality and the 'Glass Ceiling'.

In English, we often use 'ratio' and 'proportion' interchangeably in casual talk, but 'ratio' (1:2) and 'percentage' (50%) are mathematically distinct. Japanese uses 比率 for both, but favors it for formal data.

The Golden Ratio (黄金比率) in Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'. Demographic reports from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Financial reports of major Japanese corporations like Toyota or Sony.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Financial Reports

利益比率を計算する
自己資本比率の改善
コスト比率の圧縮
売上構成比率

Cooking & Baking

黄金比率の味付け
粉と水の比率
絶妙な混合比率
比率を守る

Sociology & News

高齢化比率の上昇
男女の比率
失業比率の推移
外国人比率

Design & Photography

画面の縦横比率
色彩の比率
黄金比率の構図
比率を変える

Science & Labs

成分の比率を測定する
触媒の比率
一定の比率で反応させる
比率を調整する

Conversation Starters

"あなたの国の男女の比率はどのくらいですか？ (What is the gender ratio in your country?)"

"仕事とプライベートの比率は理想的ですか？ (Is your work-life ratio ideal?)"

"この料理の調味料の比率を教えてもらえますか？ (Can you tell me the ratio of seasonings in this dish?)"

"最近、若者の比率が減っていると感じますか？ (Do you feel the ratio of young people is decreasing lately?)"

"投資の比率をどう決めていますか？ (How do you decide your investment ratios?)"

Journal Prompts

理想的な一日の時間の使い方の比率（仕事、睡眠、趣味）について書いてください。 (Write about the ideal ratio of how you use your time in a day.)

自分の国の社会問題としての「高齢化比率」についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the 'aging ratio' as a social issue in your country?)

料理を作るとき、比率を気にしますか、それとも目分量ですか？ (When cooking, do you care about ratios or do you eyeball it?)

あなたの人生において、努力と運の比率はどのくらいだと思いますか？ (In your life, what do you think the ratio of effort to luck is?)

現在の貯金と投資の比率について、将来の計画を書いてください。 (Write about your future plans regarding your current savings-to-investment ratio.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can say '比率は50パーセントです' (The ratio is 50 percent), but in casual talk, people usually just say '50パーセント' or '半分' (half). Use 比率 when you are being formal or talking about the concept of the ratio itself.

比率 (hiritsu) is technical and formal, often used for mathematical ratios like 1:3. 割合 (wariai) is more common and used for general percentages or when saying 'most' or 'a part' of something. For example, 'the percentage of people' is usually '人の割合'.

You use the word '対' (tai). So, 'a 1 to 2 ratio' is '一対二の比率' (ichi tai ni no hiritsu).

It is better to say 比率が高い (high ratio). In Japanese, ratios are described as 'high' (高い) or 'low' (低い) rather than 'big' or 'small'.

Yes, especially in professional recipes or books that focus on precision. For example, 'the ratio of flour to water' is '小麦粉と水の比率'.

It means 'composition ratio.' It refers to how much each part contributes to the whole, commonly used in business to show sales breakdown by product.

Yes, common terms include '男女比率' (gender ratio) and '高齢者比率' (elderly ratio). It is used to describe the makeup of a population.

Common verbs include 計算する (calculate), 調整する (adjust), 維持する (maintain), 上昇する (rise), and 低下する (fall).

It is very common in news, school, and work. It is less common in casual chats with friends, but every Japanese adult knows and uses it in appropriate settings.

Usually, yes. It implies a mathematical or quantitative comparison, even if the exact numbers aren't mentioned in the same sentence.