Translation guide
A spin-off is a new product, company, or story that develops from an existing one. In Japanese, the term is often borrowed directly as スピンオフ, but there are also native expressions for derived works, business separations, and by-products.
A new story or series that uses characters or settings from an existing work.
The most common and direct loanword for a media spin-off. Widely understood in entertainment contexts.
あのドラマのスピンオフが来月放送される。
A spin-off of that drama will be broadcast next month.
Literally 'side story' or 'gaiden'. Often used for spin-off stories in manga, anime, and games, especially when they focus on a different character or side plot.
このゲームの外伝は人気キャラクターの過去を描いている。
The spin-off of this game depicts the past of a popular character.
A more formal term meaning 'derivative work'. Used in legal or academic contexts, but less common in everyday conversation.
この小説は人気漫画の派生作品です。
This novel is a spin-off of a popular manga.
A new independent company or division created from part of an existing organization.
Also used in business contexts for a corporate spin-off. Common in news and business Japanese.
その会社は研究部門をスピンオフして新会社を設立した。
The company spun off its research division and established a new company.
The act of splitting off a division into a separate company. A native Japanese business term.
Means 'independence'. Can be used when a part of a company becomes independent, though it's broader than just spin-off.
Something that is produced as a secondary or incidental result of another activity.
Literally 'by-product'. Used for both tangible and intangible results, including unexpected benefits.
その研究の副産物として新しい素材が発見された。
A new material was discovered as a spin-off of that research.
Means 'ripple effect' or 'spillover effect'. Used when an action creates secondary positive outcomes.
そのプロジェクトの波及効果で地域経済が活性化した。
The local economy was revitalized as a spin-off effect of the project.
Casual term for a bonus or extra. Can be used humorously for an unintended but welcome spin-off.
スピンオフ is the direct loanword and is very common in both media and business. 外伝 is specifically for narrative side stories, often with a historical or epic feel. Use スピンオフ for modern, casual contexts; 外伝 for traditional or formal story spin-offs.
While スピンオフ can be used metaphorically, it's not natural for everyday by-products like sawdust or whey. Use 副産物 for physical or concrete by-products.
By spinning off the business division, decision-making became faster.
その部門は親会社から独立した。
That division became independent from the parent company.
This feature is totally a spin-off, but it's useful.