Translation guide
The English word 'aside' has several distinct uses: moving something to one side, a whispered remark in theater, a private comment in conversation, and the phrase 'aside from' meaning except or besides. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To physically move something or someone out of the way, or to set something apart for later.
Literally 'put to the side'. Used for setting an object aside, often temporarily.
Please put the book aside.
To move something out of the way, often casually. Implies clearing a path or space.
Move that chair aside.
To put away, tidy up. Used when setting things aside to clean or organize.
Put your toys aside.
To remove or push aside, often with a sense of clearing away an obstacle. Slightly literary.
He pushed the obstacles aside.
A dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience, unheard by other characters.
A remark made quietly to one person, not intended for others nearby.
Whispering in someone's ear. Functions as a noun or suru-verb.
He whispered an aside to me.
To say in a low voice. A general way to describe a private aside.
In natural conversation, Japanese speakers often use ちょっと (a little) to pull someone aside or make a private comment.
Come aside for a moment.
Excluding something; with the exception of.
Formal pattern meaning 'excluding ~'. Used in written and spoken Japanese.
Aside from him, everyone came.
Common pattern meaning 'except for ~'. Slightly more casual than を除いて.
Aside from this, everything sold.
Means 'setting ~ aside' or 'apart from ~'. Often used to set a topic aside temporarily.
Besides; in addition to something.
Formal pattern meaning 'in addition to ~'. Common in writing and speeches.
Aside from English, I can also speak French.
Means 'not only ~ but also'. Often used with も.
Aside from singing well, he can also dance.
Means 'besides ~' or 'other than ~'. Neutral register.
Aside from work, I paint as a hobby.
English 'aside' covers many distinct concepts. Using a single Japanese word like わき (side) will not work for most meanings. Always choose the expression that matches the specific intent.
Joking aside. (unnatural)
When using 'aside from', context determines whether it means 'except' or 'besides'. In Japanese, these are expressed with different patterns: 〜を除いて (except) vs. 〜に加えて (in addition).
He delivered an aside on stage.
She said in an aside, 'Let's talk later.'
Joking aside, let's talk seriously.