Translation guide
An afterword is a concluding section of a book, typically written by the author or someone else, providing commentary, context, or reflections. In Japanese, the most common term is あとがき, but other expressions exist depending on formality and context.
The concluding remarks written by the author, often found in novels, essays, or non-fiction.
The most common and natural word for an author's afterword. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
この小説のあとがきには、執筆の裏話が書かれている。
The afterword of this novel contains behind-the-scenes stories about its writing.
Kanji form of あとがき. More common in formal or literary contexts, but the kana form is widely used.
後書きで著者は読者への感謝を述べた。
In the afterword, the author expressed gratitude to the readers.
A formal or literary term for an afterword, often used in classical or academic works. Less common in everyday language.
その本の跋には、研究の背景が詳しく述べられている。
The afterword of that book describes the background of the research in detail.
A concluding section written by a different person, such as a critic, expert, or translator, often providing analysis or commentary.
Commonly used for an afterword or commentary written by someone other than the author, especially in literary works or academic editions.
文庫版には著名な評論家による解説が付いている。
The paperback edition includes an afterword by a renowned critic.
Specifically a translator's afterword, common in translated books.
訳者あとがきで、翻訳の難しさについて触れられている。
The translator's afterword touches on the difficulties of translation.
A short addition at the end of a letter or informal piece, similar to 'P.S.'
Equivalent to 'P.S.' in English. Used in letters or emails to add an afterthought.
追伸：来週の予定を教えてください。
P.S. Please let me know your plans for next week.
A second postscript, used after 追伸. Rare and very formal.
二伸：先日は大変お世話になりました。
P.P.S. Thank you very much for your help the other day.
あとがき is typically written by the author, while 解説 is usually written by someone else, such as a critic or scholar. In some contexts, 解説 can also mean 'commentary' or 'explanation' in general.
Do not translate 'afterword' directly as 後の言葉 (あとのことば). This is not a natural Japanese expression for this concept.