Translation guide
The English word 'besides' can be used as a preposition meaning 'in addition to' or 'apart from', and as an adverb meaning 'moreover' or 'anyway'. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
Expressing 'besides X' meaning 'in addition to X' or 'as well as X'.
A common and neutral way to say 'besides' or 'in addition to'. Attach to a noun.
Besides Japanese, I can also speak French.
More formal than ～のほかに. Often used in written or business contexts.
Besides my salary, I also received a bonus.
Literally 'outside of', can mean 'besides' or 'other than'. Often used with も.
Besides him, no one else came.
Expressing 'besides X' meaning 'except for X' or 'other than X', often in negative or limiting contexts.
Used in negative sentences to mean 'except for' or 'apart from'. The は adds contrast.
I have no friends besides you.
Similar to 以外に, but slightly more formal. Often used in written language.
Besides this problem, everything has been resolved.
Adding another point or reason, similar to 'besides' at the start of a sentence.
Commonly used to add information, like 'besides' or 'moreover'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
This apartment is small. Besides, the rent is high.
Casual and common in conversation. Similar to 'and also' or 'besides'.
Adds a negative or surprising point, like 'on top of that' or 'what's more'. Often used for complaints.
Dismissing a previous point or changing the subject, like 'besides' meaning 'anyway'.
Implies resignation or that something is inevitable. Often used when giving up on a point.
Besides, no one will believe me anyway.
Formal expression meaning 'in any case' or 'be that as it may'. Used to move past a point.
Besides, it's already too late.
Both can mean 'besides', but 以外 is more common in negative sentences ('except'), while ほか is neutral ('in addition to'). Using 以外 in positive sentences can sound like 'other than' rather than 'in addition to'.
I can speak French besides Japanese. (But it may imply 'other than Japanese' as a contrast.)
その上 is neutral and can be used in formal contexts. それに is casual and common in speech. おまけに adds a negative nuance, often used for complaints or unexpected additions.
I'm tired today. Besides, I'm hungry too.
電車は遅れるし、おまけに雨まで降ってきた。
The train was late, and besides, it started raining.