Translation guide
A narrative that is separate from the main story, often focusing on secondary characters or events. In Japanese, this can be expressed with specific terms for spin-offs, anecdotes, or parallel tales.
A story derived from or related to a main work, often focusing on different characters or events.
The most common term for a side story or spin-off, especially in fiction, manga, and games. It implies a narrative that expands on the original work.
この小説は本編の外伝です。
This novel is a side story to the main series.
Loanword from English, commonly used in media contexts for a spin-off series or film.
人気キャラクターのスピンオフが制作された。
A spin-off featuring the popular character was produced.
Literally 'extra edition', used for bonus or side stories, often in manga or light novels. Suggests something outside the main numbering.
番外編で主人公の過去が明かされる。
The protagonist's past is revealed in the side story.
Direct loanword, used occasionally but less natural than 外伝 or スピンオフ.
ゲームのサイドストーリーをクリアする。
Clear the game's side story.
A short, interesting story that is not part of the main narrative, often told in conversation.
A digression or anecdote, often used in speech or writing to introduce a related but non-essential story.
余談ですが、昨日こんなことがありました。
As a side story, something like this happened yesterday.
An anecdote, often about a famous person or event. More literary than 余談.
A story that runs alongside the main plot, often from a different perspective.
Literally 'behind-the-scenes story', used for untold or hidden aspects of a main story.
この映画の裏話が本になった。
The side stories of this movie became a book.
Means 'another story', used to describe a parallel narrative.
これは主人公の視点から見た、もう一つの物語だ。
This is a side story from the protagonist's perspective.
There are many interesting side stories in his life.