Translation guide
The English word 'aside' has several distinct uses: moving something to one side, a whispered remark in theater, a private comment in conversation, and the phrase 'aside from' meaning except or besides. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To physically move something or someone out of the way, or to set something apart for later.
Literally 'put to the side'. Used for setting an object aside, often temporarily.
本を脇に置いてください。
Please put the book aside.
To move something out of the way, often casually. Implies clearing a path or space.
その椅子をどけて。
Move that chair aside.
To put away, tidy up. Used when setting things aside to clean or organize.
おもちゃを片付けて。
Put your toys aside.
To remove or push aside, often with a sense of clearing away an obstacle. Slightly literary.
彼は障害を退けた。
He pushed the obstacles aside.
A dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience, unheard by other characters.
The standard theatrical term for an aside.
ハムレットの傍白は有名だ。
Hamlet's asides are famous.
Literally 'soliloquy' or 'talking to oneself'. Can be used loosely for an aside, but not strictly theatrical.
A remark made quietly to one person, not intended for others nearby.
Whispering in someone's ear. Functions as a noun or suru-verb.
彼は私に耳打ちした。
He whispered an aside to me.
To say in a low voice. A general way to describe a private aside.
彼女は小声で「あとで話そう」と言った。
She said in an aside, 'Let's talk later.'
In natural conversation, Japanese speakers often use ちょっと (a little) to pull someone aside or make a private comment.
ちょっと、こっちに来て。
Come aside for a moment.
Excluding something; with the exception of.
Formal pattern meaning 'excluding ~'. Used in written and spoken Japanese.
彼を除いて、全員来た。
Aside from him, everyone came.
Common pattern meaning 'except for ~'. Slightly more casual than を除いて.
これ以外は全部売れた。
Aside from this, everything sold.
Means 'setting ~ aside' or 'apart from ~'. Often used to set a topic aside temporarily.
冗談は別として、真面目な話をしよう。
Joking aside, let's talk seriously.
Besides; in addition to something.
Formal pattern meaning 'in addition to ~'. Common in writing and speeches.
英語に加えて、フランス語も話せる。
Aside from English, I can also speak French.
Means 'not only ~ but also'. Often used with も.
彼は歌が上手なだけでなく、ダンスもできる。
Aside from singing well, he can also dance.
Means 'besides ~' or 'other than ~'. Neutral register.
仕事のほかに、趣味で絵を描いている。
Aside from work, I paint as a hobby.
English 'aside' covers many distinct concepts. Using a single Japanese word like わき (side) will not work for most meanings. Always choose the expression that matches the specific intent.
冗談はわきに置いて。
Joking aside. (unnatural)
When using 'aside from', context determines whether it means 'except' or 'besides'. In Japanese, these are expressed with different patterns: 〜を除いて (except) vs. 〜に加えて (in addition).
彼は舞台で独り言を言った。
He delivered an aside on stage.