Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing a digression involves specific set phrases, conjunctions, and strategies to signal a temporary shift in topic. The most common approach is using 'それはさておき' or '話は変わりますが' to explicitly set aside the current topic and introduce a new one. Other options include '余談ですが' for a side note, or simply using 'ところで' for a lighter topic change. The choice depends on formality and the relationship between the topics.
The speaker wants to temporarily leave the main subject and bring up something else, often returning later.
A common phrase meaning 'leaving that aside' or 'that aside'. Used to pause the current topic and introduce a new one. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts, neutral to slightly formal.
それはさておき、本題に入りましょう。
That aside, let's get to the main topic.
それはさておき、最近どう？
Anyway, how have you been lately?
Literally 'the topic changes, but...'. A polite and clear way to signal a shift in conversation. Common in both formal and casual settings.
話は変わりますが、来週の予定は空いていますか？
Changing the subject, are you free next week?
A conjunction meaning 'by the way'. Used to introduce a new topic that may be unrelated. Less formal than 'それはさておき', but very common in conversation.
ところで、昨日の映画はどうだった？
By the way, how was the movie yesterday?
Literally 'the conversation digresses, but...'. A direct way to acknowledge a digression. Slightly formal, often used in presentations or writing.
話がそれますが、この点について補足します。
I digress, but I'll add a note on this point.
The speaker wants to insert a comment that is not part of the main flow but related.
Means 'as a side note' or 'digression'. Used to introduce an anecdote or extra information. Common in speeches and writing.
余談ですが、この町は昔、城下町でした。
As a side note, this town used to be a castle town.
Means 'incidentally' or 'by the way'. Used to add related information. Less formal than '余談ですが', common in conversation.
ちなみに、彼は私のいとこです。
Incidentally, he's my cousin.
The speaker wants to go back to the original subject after a detour.
Literally 'returning to the topic, but...'. Used to resume the main thread. Suitable for formal and informal contexts.
話を戻しますが、先ほどの提案についてどう思いますか？
Getting back on track, what do you think about the earlier proposal?
Means 'returning to the main subject'. More formal, often used in meetings or presentations.
本題に戻りますが、予算について議論しましょう。
Returning to the main topic, let's discuss the budget.
The speaker realizes they have gone off topic and wants to explicitly note it.
Literally 'the conversation derailed, but...'. A self-deprecating way to acknowledge a digression. Common in casual to semi-formal speech.
話が脱線しましたが、元に戻します。
I've gone off on a tangent, but let me get back on track.
Means 'I've strayed off the path, but...'. Similar to '話が脱線しましたが', slightly more literary.
横道にそれましたが、話を続けます。
I've digressed, but let's continue.
'それはさておき' explicitly sets aside the previous topic, implying a clear break. 'ところで' is a lighter transition, often used to bring up a new but not necessarily contrasting topic. Use 'それはさておき' when you want to emphasize moving on from something.
それはさておき、何か飲みませんか？
Anyway, would you like something to drink?
ところで、明日の天気はどう？
By the way, how's the weather tomorrow?
The English word 'digression' as a noun (e.g., 'That was a digression') is not commonly used in Japanese conversation. Instead, use phrases like '話がそれました' (the conversation digressed) or '余談でした' (it was a side note).
すみません、話がそれました。
Sorry, I digressed.
少し話がそれた後、彼女は本題に戻った。
After a brief digression, she returned to the main point.
彼のスピーチは脱線ばかりだった。
His speech was full of digressions.