1.
prologue, opening chapter, prelude
The introductory section of a book, story, or other work. Also used figuratively to describe the beginning phase of a larger event or development.
小説の序章を読む。
Read the prologue of the novel.
この事件は悲劇の序章に過ぎなかった。
This incident was merely the prologue to a tragedy.
今回の改革は、より大きな変革の序章に過ぎないと専門家は指摘する。
Experts point out that this reform is merely the prologue to an even greater transformation.
USAGE:
Used both literally for the opening section of a written work and figuratively for the beginning of a larger chain of events. The figurative usage often carries ominous or dramatic overtones.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜の序章に過ぎない: to be merely the prologue to ~
- 序章にあたる: to serve as a prologue
SIMILAR WORDS:
序文 is the author's preface or foreword, while 序章 is the opening chapter of the narrative itself.