1.
main part; main story; main feature
The primary or main portion of a work, as opposed to supplementary material such as spin-offs, sequels, bonus content, or behind-the-scenes footage.
本編は来月公開される。
The main feature will be released next month.
この映画の本編は二時間ある。
The main feature of this movie is two hours long.
スピンオフが人気だが、やはり本編のストーリーが一番面白い。
The spin-off is popular, but the main story is still the most interesting.
2.
this volume; the present work
A reference to the current book, document, or work being discussed.
詳しくは本編第三章を参照してください。
Please refer to Chapter 3 of this volume for details.
本編の内容は前作の知識がなくても楽しめる。
You can enjoy this volume even without knowledge of the previous work.
本編では基礎的な理論を解説し、応用例は別冊に譲る。
This volume covers basic theory, and application examples are left to a separate volume.
A compound of 本 (main; this) and 編 (compilation; volume). Very commonly used in entertainment media — anime, manga, movies, video games — to distinguish the main story from side stories, OVAs, bonus episodes, or behind-the-scenes content.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本編に戻る: to return to the main story
- 本編の内容: the content of the main part
- 本編映像: main feature footage
- 本編とは別に: separately from the main story
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 番外編: side story; extra episode — content outside the main narrative
- 外伝: side story; spin-off — a separate story featuring secondary characters or events
- 続編: sequel; continuation — the next installment following the main story
- 前編: first part — the first half of a work divided into parts