Translation guide
How to express that something is not related to the current subject or conversation in Japanese.
The speaker wants to indicate that a statement or question is not connected to the main subject.
Literally 'the conversation deviates'. A natural way to say that the discussion has gone off-topic.
話がそれましたが、本題に戻りましょう。
We've gotten off-topic, but let's get back to the main point.
The speaker wants to label a specific remark as not relevant to the discussion.
Literally 'the conversation derails'. Commonly used when a discussion goes off on a tangent.
話が脱線してしまいました。
We've gone off-topic.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'off-topic' in all contexts. Using オフトピック is understood by some but sounds like English jargon. It's better to use natural Japanese phrases like 話がそれる or 本題から外れる.
Means 'to deviate from the main topic'. Slightly more formal than 話がそれる.
その質問は本題から外れています。
That question is off-topic.
Means 'unrelated' or 'has nothing to do with it'. Can be used to dismiss an off-topic remark, but may sound blunt.
Can be perceived as rude if used directly to a person. Softer alternatives like 関係ないかもしれませんが are safer.
それは今の話に関係ないよ。
That's off-topic right now.
A pattern meaning 'putting aside ~'. Used to acknowledge an off-topic point and then return to the main subject.
冗談はさておき、真面目な話をしましょう。
Joking aside, let's talk seriously.
Means 'off the mark' or 'irrelevant'. Can describe a comment that misses the point.
その意見は的外れだ。
That opinion is off-topic.
A noun meaning 'digression' or 'aside'. Used to introduce an off-topic remark intentionally.
余談ですが、昨日面白い映画を見ました。
Off-topic, but I saw an interesting movie yesterday.