あとがき
あとがき
noun
afterword; postscript; epilogue
1.
afterword; postscript; epilogue
A section at the end of a book or publication where the author reflects on the work, acknowledges contributors, or shares behind-the-scenes thoughts. Common in Japanese books, manga, and light novels.
あとがきを読むのが好きだ。
I like reading afterwords.
著者はあとがきで感謝の言葉を述べた。
The author expressed words of gratitude in the afterword.
この小説のあとがきには、執筆の裏話が書かれていて興味深い。
The afterword of this novel contains behind-the-scenes stories about the writing process, which is fascinating.
Usually written in hiragana, though the kanji form 後書き exists. A standard part of Japanese books where the author addresses readers directly, often in a more personal and informal tone than the main text.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- あとがきを書く: to write an afterword
- あとがきを読む: to read the afterword
- あとがきに代えて: in place of an afterword
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 前書き: foreword, preface — the corresponding introductory section at the beginning of a book
- 解説: commentary — an analytical essay sometimes appended to novels, often written by a critic or another author rather than the original author
- 跋: postface — a more formal literary term for an afterword; rarely used in modern contexts
CULTURAL NOTE:
In manga and light novels, the afterword is a beloved feature where authors share personal anecdotes, thank their editors and assistants, and sometimes include bonus illustrations. Readers often look forward to these personal sections.