Learning Japanese with Anime – Attack on Titan

In our final episode of the “Learning Japanese with Anime” series, following our guides on Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia, we dive into the dark and gripping world of Attack on Titan 進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin. Known for its intense story, deep character development, and complex themes, Attack on Titan is an excellent anime for learning Japanese, especially for those interested in more formal and dramatic language styles. Let’s explore how this popular series can enhance your language skills.

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A Quick Jump To…

• Why Learn Japanese with Attack on Titan?
• Getting Started with Attack on Titan
• Examples from Attack on Titans
• Important Kanji in Attack on Titan
• Recommended Episodes for Beginners
• Tips for Success
• FAQ

Why Learn Japanese with Attack on Titan?

Attack on Titan provides a rich learning environment for Japanese learners because of its:

Dramatic Dialogue: The anime features intense conversations filled with determination, fear, and strategy, which helps you understand more formal and emotional language.

Varied Speech Styles: Characters range from civilians to military personnel, offering a range of speech patterns from casual to highly formal.

Historical and Military Vocabulary: The series introduces unique vocabulary related to warfare, history, and military ranks, which is helpful for advanced learners.

Getting Started with Attack on Titan

To get the most out of Attack on Titan while learning Japanese, follow these steps:

Choose Your Viewing Style: If you’re a beginner, begin with Japanese audio and English subtitles. As you progress, switch to Japanese subtitles, and eventually watch without subtitles to challenge your listening comprehension.

Focus on Key Phrases and Expressions The series is filled with recurring phrases that reflect its intense themes. Here are some examples:

• 進撃 Shingeki – Advancement” or “Attack” (as in Shingeki no Kyojin – Attack on Titan).
• 自由 Jiyū – “Freedom.” This word is central to the story’s themes of liberation and autonomy.
• 人類の希望 Jinrui no kibō – “Humanity’s hope,” often referenced by characters discussing their fight against the Titans.
• 駆逐してやる Kuchiku shite yaru! – “I’ll exterminate them!” This is Eren Yeager’s signature declaration against the Titans.

Understand Character Speech Styles: Different characters have distinct speaking styles that reflect their personalities and backgrounds. Eren speaks passionately and informally, while characters like Captain Levi use a more formal, commanding tone.

Practice with Intense Scenes: Select high-stakes scenes featuring complex dialogue. These moments are great for learning military and formal language and practicing listening skills under stress.

Learn Key Kanji and Vocabulary: Keep a list of new kanji and vocabulary you encounter—practice writing and using these words in sentences to reinforce your learning.

Examples from Attack on Titans

Example 1: Eren’s Determination

Eren Yeager is known for his fierce determination and desire to defeat the Titans:

• Japanese: 駆逐してやる！この世から一匹残らず！
• Romaji: Kuchiku shite yaru! Kono yo kara ippiki nokorazu!
• English: I’ll exterminate them! Every last one of them is from this world!

Breaking down the sentence:

• 駆逐 (Kuchiku): Exterminate
• してやる (shite yaru): Will do (with strong determination)
• この世 (Kono yo): This world
• から (kara): From
• 一匹残らず (Ippiki nokorazu): Not a single one left

Example 2 Mikasa’s Loyalty

Mikasa Ackerman is fiercely loyal to Eren and often expresses her resolve to protect him:

• Japanese: エレンを守る。それが私の使命だ。
• Romaji: Eren o mamoru. Sore ga watashi no shimei da.
• English: Protecting Eren. That is my mission.

Breaking down the sentence:

• エレン (Eren): Eren
• を (o): Object marker
• 守る (Mamoru): To protect
• それ (Sore): That
• が (ga): Subject marker
• 私 (Watashi): I, me
• の (no): Possessive particle
• 使命 (Shimei): Mission
• だ (da): Is (informal)

Example 3  Armin’s Hope

Armin Arlert often speaks about hope and the future of humanity:

• Japanese: 人類には未来がある。それを信じることが、我々の唯一の希望だ。
• Romaji: Jinrui ni wa mirai ga aru. Sore o shinjiru koto ga, wareware no yuiitsu no kibō da.
• English: Humanity has a future. Believing in that is our only hope.

Breaking down the sentence:

• 人類 (Jinrui): Humanity
• には (ni wa): Topic marker (for emphasizing)
• 未来 (Mirai): Future
• がある (ga aru): Exists (there is)
• それ (Sore): That
• を (o): Object marker
• 信じる (Shinjiru): To believe
• こと (koto): Thing (concept)
• が (ga): Subject marker
• 我々 (Wareware): We, us (formal)
• の (no): Possessive particle
• 唯一 (Yuiitsu): Only, unique
• 希望 (Kibō): Hope
• だ (da): Is (informal)

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Important Kanji in Attack on Titan

The series includes several key kanji that are essential for understanding the story’s themes and dialogues:

• 巨人 (Kyojin) – Titan | Example: 超大型巨人 (Chō-ōgata Kyojin) – Colossal Titan
• 自由 (Jiyū) – Freedom | Example: 自由を勝ち取る (Jiyū o kachitoru) – To win freedom
• 調査兵団 (Chōsa Heidan) – Survey Corps | Example: 調査兵団の一員 (Chōsa Heidan no ichi-in) – A member of the Survey Corps
• 壁 (Kabe) – Wall | Example: 壁の中 (Kabe no naka) – Inside the wall
• 戦闘 (Sentō) – Battle | Example: 戦闘準備 (Sentō junbi) – Battle preparations
• 命 (Inochi) – Life | Example: 命を懸ける (Inochi o kakeru) – To risk one’s life

Recommended Episodes for Beginners

For those new to Japanese or Attack on Titan, here are some recommended episodes:

Episode 1: “To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1”

This episode introduces the main characters and provides simple dialogue and vocabulary.

Episode 5: “First Battle: The Struggle for Trost, Part 1”

Features action-packed scenes and military vocabulary.

Episode 25: “Wall: Assault on Stohess, Part 3”

Offers more complex dialogue and intense character interactions.

Tips for Success

• Use Flashcards for Military Terms: Since Attack on Titan includes a lot of military vocabulary, creating flashcards can help you remember these terms.
• Study Character Motivations: Understanding why characters say certain things can help with comprehension and provide context to the language used.
• Engage with the Community: Discuss episodes with other fans to reinforce your learning and gain new insights.
• Pause and Repeat: Don’t hesitate to pause and repeat scenes to catch every detail and improve your listening skills.

Learning Japanese with Attack on Titan is an intense and rewarding experience. The series offers rich vocabulary, varied speech styles, and cultural insights, making it a great tool for advancing your language skills. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to character dialogue, and use this anime to deepen your understanding of Japanese. Stay committed, enjoy the journey, and embrace the challenge like the characters in Attack on Titan!

Good luck、 and 勇気を持て！ (Yūki o motte!) – Have courage!

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