Translation guide
A prologue is an introductory section of a literary or dramatic work. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is プロローグ, a loanword from English. Native terms like 序文 and 序章 are also used, with nuances depending on context.
The learner wants to refer to the opening part of a narrative work that sets the scene or provides background.
The most common and widely understood term, used for novels, films, plays, etc. It is a loanword from English and fits most modern contexts.
The learner wants to describe an event that serves as an introduction to a more significant series of events.
Used metaphorically to mean 'the beginning' or 'prelude' to a larger event or era. Common in news and formal writing.
The prologue of this novel is very striking.
Literally 'opening chapter', used for the first chapter of a book or story. Slightly more formal than プロローグ and common in literary contexts.
The protagonist's upbringing is told in the prologue.
Refers specifically to a written preface or foreword, often by the author or another person, explaining the work's background. More formal and less common for fictional prologues.
The prologue of this book was written by a famous critic.
This incident was merely a prologue to the great war.
Means 'omen' or 'harbinger', but can be used for an event that signals the start of something. Less direct than 序章, but natural in certain contexts.
That small clash was a prologue to the civil war.
Can be used metaphorically, but less common than 序章 for events. Often sounds slightly literary or dramatic.
This encounter became the prologue to a long friendship.