Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'incidentally' in Japanese, covering how to introduce related or additional information, change the subject, or add a casual remark.
To add a piece of information that is connected to the current topic but not the main focus, similar to 'by the way'.
The most common and neutral way to say 'incidentally' or 'by the way' when adding related information. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
ちなみに、明日の会議は午後2時からです。
Incidentally, tomorrow's meeting is from 2 p.m.
この店はランチが安いです。ちなみに、夜はちょっと高いです。
This restaurant has cheap lunches. Incidentally, dinner is a bit expensive.
Used to change the subject or introduce a new topic, often when the new information is not directly related. More like 'by the way' when shifting topics.
ところで、昨日の映画はどうだった？
Incidentally, how was the movie yesterday?
Used when something reminds you of a related point, like 'now that you mention it' or 'speaking of which'. More casual and conversational.
そういえば、田中さんが来月結婚するらしいよ。
Incidentally, I heard that Tanaka is getting married next month.
To insert a less important or offhand comment into a conversation, similar to 'incidentally' in a casual sense.
Means 'while you're at it' or 'incidentally' when adding an extra action or remark that is done along with something else. Often used for minor additions.
買い物に行くなら、ついでに牛乳を買ってきて。
If you're going shopping, incidentally, pick up some milk.
Used to shift to a different but related topic, like 'incidentally' or 'by the way'. Slightly more casual than ところで.
To mention something that comes to mind as an additional piece of information, often at the end of a statement.
Formal and often used in written Japanese to add supplementary information, like 'furthermore' or 'incidentally'. Common in official documents.
なお、詳細は後日お知らせします。
Incidentally, details will be announced later.
Literally 'if I may add', used to introduce an additional comment. More explicit and slightly formal.
付け加えると、この計画はまだ初期段階です。
Incidentally, this plan is still in its early stages.
ちなみに adds related information without changing the topic. ところで changes the subject to something new. そういえば is used when something reminds you of a related point, often in casual conversation.
ちなみに、彼は医者です。
Incidentally, he is a doctor. (adding info about him)
ところで、最近映画を見ましたか？
Incidentally, have you seen any movies lately? (changing topic)
そういえば、彼も医者だったね。
Incidentally, he was a doctor too, wasn't he? (reminded of it)
Do not translate 'incidentally' directly as 偶然に (ぐうぜんに) or 付随的に (ふずいてきに) in most contexts. These sound unnatural and are not used for conversational transitions.
それはそうと、来週のパーティーに行く？
Incidentally, are you going to the party next week?