Translation guide
The English word "incidental" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean "happening as a minor part of something else," "occurring by chance," or "related but not essential."
Use this when something occurs as a secondary or unintended result of a main activity or event.
The most direct equivalent for "incidental" in the sense of accompanying or secondary. Often used in formal or written contexts.
その問題は付随的なものに過ぎない。
That issue is merely incidental.
Used when doing something incidentally while doing something else. More casual and conversational.
買い物のついでに銀行に寄った。
I stopped by the bank incidentally while shopping.
Emphasizes something as secondary or subsidiary. Common in business or academic contexts.
副次的な効果も期待できる。
We can also expect incidental effects.
Means "accidental" or "incidental" in the sense of happening by chance as a side effect. Often used for unintended events.
偶発的な出来事だった。
It was an incidental occurrence.
Use this when something happens accidentally or coincidentally alongside another event.
The standard word for "accidental" or "by chance." Use when the incidental nature is about coincidence.
それは偶然の一致だった。
It was an incidental coincidence.
Adverb meaning "by chance" or "incidentally." Very common in casual speech.
たまたま彼に会った。
I incidentally ran into him.
Also used here for accidental or incidental events, especially in formal writing.
Use this when describing something that is connected to the main topic but not central or important.
Again the best fit for "incidental" as "accompanying but not essential."
付随的な情報は省いてください。
Please omit incidental information.
Literally "not essential." A clear way to express that something is incidental.
その点は本質的でない。
That point is incidental.
Means "trivial" or "minor." Can be used when the incidental nature is about insignificance.
些細な問題だ。
It's an incidental problem.
English "incidental" covers a wide range. Do not assume a single Japanese word fits all contexts. Pay attention to whether you mean "secondary," "by chance," or "minor."
An incidental accident occurred.