外伝(がいでん)

がいでん
noun
side story, spin-off, supplementary biography
1. side story, spin-off
A supplementary narrative that branches off from a main story, focusing on a secondary character or event. Common in manga, anime, novels, and games.
人気(にんき)マンガの外伝(がいでん)が出(で)た。
A spin-off of the popular manga came out.
この外伝(がいでん)では脇役(わきやく)の過去(かこ)が描(えが)かれている。
This side story depicts the past of a supporting character.
本編(ほんぺん)を読(よ)んでいなくても楽(たの)しめる外伝(がいでん)になっている。
It's a spin-off that can be enjoyed even without reading the main story.
2. supplementary biography, unofficial biography
A biographical account covering aspects not included in the official or main biography. The original meaning of the word.
歴史(れきし)人物(じんぶつ)の外伝(がいでん)を読(よ)む。
To read a supplementary biography of a historical figure.
正史(せいし)には載(の)らない逸話(いつわ)が外伝(がいでん)に収(おさ)められている。
Anecdotes not found in the official history are collected in the supplementary biography.
この外伝(がいでん)には、公式(こうしき)の記録(きろく)からは見(み)えない人間(にんげん)らしい一面(いちめん)が書(か)かれている。
This supplementary biography describes a human side not visible in the official records.

USAGE:
In modern usage, sense 1 (side story/spin-off) is far more common than the original biographical meaning. Frequently appears in titles of manga, anime, light novels, and video games.

ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "outside" (外(がい)) + "biography/story" (伝(でん)). Originally referred to biographical accounts supplementary to the official history.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 外伝(がいでん)シリーズ: spin-off series
  • 外伝(がいでん)小説(しょうせつ): spin-off novel
  • 外伝(がいでん)を書(か)く: to write a side story
general
Added 2026.2.20 18:48
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