Translation guide
Expresses the idea of a different realm, dimension, or state of existence, often in fantasy, spiritual, or metaphorical contexts.
Referring to a literal other world, such as in isekai stories, afterlife, or parallel universes.
The standard term for 'another world' in fantasy and isekai contexts. Used for parallel universes, game worlds, etc.
彼は異世界に転生した。
He was reincarnated in another world.
異世界ファンタジーが好きです。
I like other-world fantasy.
Literally 'a different world'. More general and can be used in non-fantasy contexts as well.
それはまるで別の世界のようだ。
It's like another world.
Refers to the afterlife, the world beyond death. Common in spiritual or religious contexts.
祖母はあの世へ旅立った。
My grandmother departed to the other world.
The underworld, realm of the dead. Used in mythology or fantasy.
冥界の神ハデス
Hades, god of the underworld
Describing a place or situation that feels utterly unfamiliar or unlike one's usual reality.
Emphasizes a sense of being in a totally different world, often used for striking contrasts in atmosphere or culture.
都会の生活は私にとって別世界だ。
City life is another world to me.
その庭園は別世界のように美しかった。
The garden was beautiful, like another world.
Same as above, but slightly less idiomatic for metaphorical use. Still natural.
彼の話を聞いていると、別の世界にいるみたいだ。
Listening to his stories, I feel like I'm in another world.
Literally 'different dimension'. Used for something that feels surreal or beyond normal understanding.
Referring to an inner world of thoughts, fantasies, or creative imagination.
One's inner world, the world of the heart/mind. Used for personal emotional or imaginative realms.
彼はいつも心の世界に閉じこもっている。
He's always shut away in his own little world.
A world of fantasy/imagination. Often used for daydreams or fictional worlds.
子供の頃は空想の世界で遊んでいた。
As a child, I used to play in an imaginary world.
Dream world, either literal dreams or a utopian vision.
それはまるで夢の世界の出来事だった。
It was like something out of a dream world.
異世界 (isekai) is the go-to term for fantasy/isekai genres. 別世界 (bessekai) is more about a strikingly different environment or atmosphere, often metaphorical. 別の世界 (betsu no sekai) is the most literal 'another world' and can be used in any context but is less idiomatic for set phrases.
When saying something 'is another world' to mean it's amazing or completely different, using 別の世界 is fine, but 異世界 might sound like you're talking about a fantasy realm. Choose based on nuance.
The food at that restaurant is out of this world.