ちなみに

• Reading: ちなみに
• Romaji: chinamini
• Kanji breakdown: 因 (in) — cause, reason, be associated with (kanji form 因みに is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /tɕi.na.mi.ni/

Meaning

By the way; incidentally; in passing. Adds related but non-essential information.

A conjunction used to introduce a piece of supplementary information related to the current topic: ちなみに、彼は元プロ選手だ (by the way, he is a former professional athlete). Less disruptive than ところで (by the way — which changes topics entirely). ちなみに stays on topic but adds a tangential detail.

Examples

1. この店のラーメンはおいしい。ちなみに、餃子もおすすめだ。 The ramen at this place is delicious. By the way, the gyoza is also recommended.
2. ちなみに、この建物は100年以上前に建てられたそうだ。 Incidentally, this building was apparently built over 100 years ago.
3. 会議は3時からです。ちなみに、場所は3階の会議室です。 The meeting starts at 3 o'clock. By the way, it'll be in the conference room on the third floor.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, writing, presentations

Tone: supplementary

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 因みに, from 因む (chinamu, to be associated with). The kanji 因 means 'cause/reason,' suggesting the added information has a connection or association with what preceded it.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal