Translation guide
A sequel is a story, film, or event that continues or follows a previous one. In Japanese, the most common way to refer to a sequel is 続編 (ぞくへん). Depending on context, other terms like 続き (つづき) or 後編 (こうへん) may be used. This guide covers how to express the idea of a sequel naturally in Japanese.
続編
sequel (film, book, etc.)
The most common meaning: a narrative work that follows an earlier one.
The standard, neutral term for a sequel to a book, film, game, etc. Works in both formal and casual contexts.
この映画の続編が来年公開される。
The sequel to this movie will be released next year.
続編は前作よりも面白かった。
The sequel was more interesting than the original.
A more casual, everyday word meaning 'continuation'. Often used for the next part of a story, especially in conversation or when referring to serialized content.
このドラマの続きが早く見たい。
I can't wait to see the continuation of this drama.
Used when a story is split into two parts: 前編 (ぜんぺん, first part) and 後編 (こうへん, latter part). Implies a direct continuation, often within the same volume or release.
この小説は前編と後編に分かれている。
This novel is divided into a first part and a sequel (latter part).
Refers to a work that is a sequel, often used in reviews or discussions to categorize a film/book as 'a sequel'. Slightly colloquial.
最近のハリウッド映画は続編ものが多い。
Recent Hollywood movies are mostly sequels.
A figurative sequel: a later event that is a consequence or continuation of a previous event.
Can be used metaphorically for events, but sounds slightly literary or dramatic.
あの事件の続編とも言える出来事が起きた。
An event that could be called a sequel to that incident occurred.
Literally 'the development after that'. A natural way to refer to subsequent events without using the word 'sequel'.
会議のその後の展開について報告します。
I will report on the sequel (subsequent developments) of the meeting.
In casual speech, 続き can refer to the continuation of an event or story-like situation.
続編 is the formal, standard term for a sequel as a complete work. 続き is more casual and often refers to the continuation of a story, not necessarily a separate work. Use 続編 for official sequels, 続き for 'the rest of the story' or 'what happens next'.
The katakana word シークエル is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick with 続編 or 続き.
As for the sequel to yesterday's story...