注釈 and 補足: explaining an expression and adding information
Compare notes on terms or source text with diagrams and extra schedule information, without defining notes by location or treating a preservation goal as guaranteed success.
A note explaining a particular expression
「難しい用語にはページの下に注釈が付いている。」 describes notes on difficult terms at the bottom of a page. The terms are what the notes explain; the bottom of the page is their location in this example.
「原文の意味を損なわないよう、訳者が短い注釈を加えた。」 describes a translator adding a brief note with the goal of not impairing the original meaning. The goal expressed with よう is not proof that preservation was verified.
Supplementing missing information
「説明が足りない部分を図で補足した。」 describes supplementing an incomplete explanation with a diagram. The explanation is what needed supplementing, and the diagram is the means.
「担当者から日程について補足の説明がありました。」 describes additional schedule information from the person in charge. It adds information about the schedule rather than necessarily annotating a particular term.
The expression explained and information added
注釈 focuses on explaining a particular term or expression in a text; 補足 focuses on adding to incomplete explanation or information. A note can also supplement an explanation, so the roles can overlap.
A note need not always sit at the bottom of a page, and not every piece of additional information is a note. Identify what expression is explained and what missing information is added.
What does the 注釈 on difficult 用語 explain, and what does the 補足の説明 about 日程 add?
Show the answer and why
The note explains difficult terms, while the supplemental explanation adds schedule information. Location or length alone does not determine the distinction. The translator’s goal in adding a note also does not guarantee verified preservation of the original meaning.