Translation guide
The English word 'besides' can be used as a preposition meaning 'in addition to' or 'apart from', and as an adverb meaning 'moreover' or 'anyway'. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
Expressing 'besides X' meaning 'in addition to X' or 'as well as X'.
A common and neutral way to say 'besides' or 'in addition to'. Attach to a noun.
日本語のほかに、フランス語も話せます。
Besides Japanese, I can also speak French.
More formal than ～のほかに. Often used in written or business contexts.
給料に加えて、ボーナスももらった。
Besides my salary, I also received a bonus.
Literally 'outside of', can mean 'besides' or 'other than'. Often used with も.
彼以外に誰も来なかった。
Besides him, no one else came.
Expressing 'besides X' meaning 'except for X' or 'other than X', often in negative or limiting contexts.
Used in negative sentences to mean 'except for' or 'apart from'. The は adds contrast.
あなた以外に友達はいない。
I have no friends besides you.
Similar to 以外に, but slightly more formal. Often used in written language.
この問題のほかは、すべて解決した。
Besides this problem, everything has been resolved.
Adding another point or reason, similar to 'besides' at the start of a sentence.
Commonly used to add information, like 'besides' or 'moreover'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
このアパートは狭い。その上、家賃が高い。
This apartment is small. Besides, the rent is high.
Casual and common in conversation. Similar to 'and also' or 'besides'.
Adds a negative or surprising point, like 'on top of that' or 'what's more'. Often used for complaints.
Dismissing a previous point or changing the subject, like 'besides' meaning 'anyway'.
Implies resignation or that something is inevitable. Often used when giving up on a point.
どうせ誰も信じてくれない。
Besides, no one will believe me anyway.
Formal expression meaning 'in any case' or 'be that as it may'. Used to move past a point.
いずれにせよ、もう手遅れだ。
Besides, it's already too late.
Both can mean 'besides', but 以外 is more common in negative sentences ('except'), while ほか is neutral ('in addition to'). Using 以外 in positive sentences can sound like 'other than' rather than 'in addition to'.
日本語以外にフランス語も話せます。
I can speak French besides Japanese. (But it may imply 'other than Japanese' as a contrast.)
その上 is neutral and can be used in formal contexts. それに is casual and common in speech. おまけに adds a negative nuance, often used for complaints or unexpected additions.
I'm tired today. Besides, I'm hungry too.
The train was late, and besides, it started raining.