original story; main story
Refers to the primary narrative, as opposed to sequels, spin-offs, or supplementary material.
このゲームの本編は約30時間でクリアできる。
The main story of this game can be completed in about 30 hours.
The preview ended, and now the main feature begins.
After the main story of the anime ended, a special episode was broadcast.
this volume
Used to refer to the current volume of a multi-volume work, often in prefaces or notes.
本編では、江戸時代の文化について詳しく解説します。
In this volume, we will explain Edo period culture in detail.
feature film; main movie
The main film shown in a cinema program, as opposed to trailers or short films.
予告編の後、いよいよ本編が始まった。
After the trailers, the main movie finally began.
movie version of a TV series
A theatrical film based on a television series, often continuing or concluding the story.
人気ドラマの本編が来月公開される。
The movie version of the popular drama will be released next month.
I watched the main feature before the bonus footage.
That episode is not included in the main volume.
Separately from the main story, a spin-off volume was published.
外伝 is a side story or spin-off, distinct from the main narrative of 本編.
予告編 refers to a trailer or preview, shown before the main feature (本編).
本編 is the original main story, while 続編 is the sequel or continuation that follows it.
本編 is the core narrative of a work, whereas 外伝 is a side story that branches off from it.
本編 is the feature film itself, while 予告編 is the trailer shown before it.
Standard kanji spelling.
Rarely used kanji form.
Compound of 本 (hon, 'main') and 編 (hen, 'volume' or 'compilation'). The kanji 編 is sometimes replaced by the older form 篇.