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In the first episode of our series, we discovered how Naruto can be an engaging and effective tool for learning Japanese. For language learners, anime offers a compelling and enjoyable way to immerse themselves in Japanese. In this series, we’ll explore how popular anime can be used effectively to learn Japanese. Let’s continue our journey with another highly acclaimed anime: My Hero Academia.
Coto Academy is a Japanese language school located in Tokyo and Yokohama. With its small class sizes and flexible course schedule, we ensure the students find their community here in Japan and learn practical and useful daily-life Japanese by focusing on conversational practice.
Quick Jump To…
- Why Learn Japanese with My Hero Academia?
- Getting Started with My Hero Academia
- Quotes from My Hero Academia Characters
- Important Kanji in My Hero Academia
- Recommended Episodes for Beginners
- FAQ
Why Learn Japanese with My Hero Academia?
My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア, Boku no Hīrō Akademia) is an excellent resource for Japanese language learners due to its modern setting, diverse vocabulary, and character-driven dialogue. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Modern Japanese: The dialogue in My Hero Academia uses contemporary Japanese, making it relevant and practical for everyday conversations.
2. Variety of Characters: The series features a wide range of characters, each with a unique speaking style, which helps you understand different speech patterns and personalities.
3. Engaging Story: The captivating story and intense action scenes keep you motivated and interested in learning.
Getting Started with My Hero Academia
Here’s how you can use My Hero Academia to enhance your Japanese language skills:
1. Choose Your Version
Decide whether to watch with English, Japanese, or no subtitles. Beginners may start with English subtitles and gradually switch to Japanese subtitles or none as their skills improve.
2. Focus on Common Phrases
Pay attention to frequently used phrases and words. In My Hero Academia, you’ll often hear phrases like:
- 行くぞ (Iku zo) – Let’s go. Example: 行くぞ、みんな！(Iku zo, minna!) – Let’s go, everyone!
- やった (Yatta) – I did it / We did it. Example: やったぞ！(Yatta zo!) – I did it!
- 気を付けて (Ki o tsukete) – Be careful. Example: 気を付けて、デク！(Ki o tsukete, Deku!) – Be careful, Deku!
- 助けて (Tasukete) – Help me. Example: 助けて、誰か！(Tasukete, dareka!) – Help me, someone!
- すごい (Sugoi) – Amazing / Incredible. Example: すごい、オールマイト！(Sugoi, Ōru Maito!) – Amazing, All Might!
- 行け (Ike)- Go! Example: 行け、デク！(Ike, Deku!) – Go, Deku!
- 信じられない (Shinjirarenai) – Unbelievable. Example: 信じられない！(Shinjirarenai!) – Unbelievable!
- 本当に (Hontou ni) – Really / Truly. Example: 本当に強い！(Hontou ni tsuyoi!) – Really strong!
Note Character Speech Styles
Characters in My Hero Academia have distinctive ways of speaking. For example, Bakugo uses rough and aggressive language, while Uraraka speaks more politely. Notice how different characters express themselves to understand formal and informal speech.
Practice with Scenes
Pick a scene and watch it multiple times. First, watch it with subtitles, then without, and finally, try to repeat the dialogue. This exercise will improve your listening and speaking skills.
Learn Kanji and Vocabulary
Keep a notebook handy to jot down new words and kanji. Use online dictionaries or language apps to look up meanings and practice writing regularly.
Example 1 Deku’s Introduction
Izuku Midoriya (Deku) often introduces himself humbly and determinedly. Here’s an example line from Deku:
- Japanese: 僕は緑谷出久です。
- Romaji: Boku wa Midoriya Izuku desu.
- English: I am Izuku Midoriya.
Breaking down the sentence:
- 僕 (Boku): I (informal, used by males)
- は (wa): Topic marker
- 緑谷出久 (Midoriya Izuku): Izuku Midoriya (name)
- です (desu): Is/am (polite form)
Example 2 All Might’s Signature Line
All Might often uses his catchphrase to inspire and reassure others. Here’s an example line from All Might:
- Japanese: 私はここにいる！
- Romaji: Watashi wa koko ni iru!
- English: I am here!
Breaking down the sentence:
- 私 (Watashi): I (formal)
- は (wa): Topic marker
- ここに (koko ni): Here
- いる (iru): Am (to exist, used for animate objects)
Example 3 Bakugo’s Declaration
Katsuki Bakugo often declares his intent to win with fierce determination. Here’s an example line from Bakugo:
- Japanese: 俺がナンバーワンだ！
- Romaji: Ore ga nanbā wan da!
- English: I am number one!
Breaking down the sentence:
- 俺 (Ore): I (informal, used by males)
- が (ga): Subject marker
- ナンバーワン (nanbā wan): Number one
- だ (da): Is/am (informal form)
Quotes from My Hero Academia Characters
Izuku Midoriya (Deku)
- ” 僕が君を救う！それがヒーローとしての役目だから！”
- Boku ga kimi o sukuu! Sore ga hīrō to shite no yakume dakara!
- I will save you! Because that is the duty of a hero!
- ” ヒーローになりたいなら、夢を持ち続けるんだ！どんなに困難でもあきらめるな！”
- Hīrō ni naritai nara, yume o mochitsuzukeru n da! Donna ni konnan demo akirameru na!
- If you want to become a hero, keep holding onto your dream! No matter how difficult it is, never give up!
- ” 僕はヒーローになるためにここに来たんだ！他の誰でもない、僕自身の力で！”
- Boku wa hīrō ni naru tame ni koko ni kita n da! Hoka no dare demo nai, boku jishin no chikara de!
- I came here to become a hero! With my power, not anyone else’s!
Ochaco Uraraka quotes
- ” 私はヒーローになりたい！お金のためじゃなく、みんなを笑顔にしたいから！”
- Watashi wa hīrō ni naritai! Okane no tame janaku, minna o egao ni shitai kara!
- I want to become a hero! Not for the money, but because I want to make everyone smile!
- ” 困っている人がいるなら、私は絶対に助ける！それが私の夢であり、ヒーローとしての使命だ！”
- Komatte iru hito ga iru nara, watashi wa zettai ni tasukeru! Sore ga watashi no yume de ari, hīrō to shite no shimei da!
- If there are people in trouble, I will help! That is my dream and my mission as a hero!
All Might
- ” 平和の象徴として、私は最後まで戦う！どんなに傷ついても、守るべきものを守り続ける！”
- Heiwa no shōchō to shite, watashi wa saigo made tatakau! Donna ni kizutsuite mo, mamoru beki mono omamori tsuzukeru!
- As the symbol of peace, I will fight until the end! No matter how hurt I get, I will continue to protect what must be protected!
- ” プルス・ウルトラ！自分の限界を超え、さらにその先へ！”
- Purusu Urutora! Jibun no genkai wo koe, sarani sono saki e!
- Plus Ultra! Go beyond your limits and even further beyond!
- ” 次は君だ、若きヒーローたちよ。君たちの力で、この世界を照らし続けてくれ！”
- Tsugi wa kimi da, wakaki hīrō-tachi yo. Kimitachi no chikara de, kono sekai o terashitsuzukete kure!
- You’re next, young heroes. With your power, keep lighting up this world!
Important Kanji in My Hero Academia
Understanding the key kanji used in My Hero Academia can deepen your appreciation for the series and improve your reading skills. Here are some important kanji:
- 火 (Hi) – Fire | Example: 爆豪勝己の個性 (Bakugo Katsuki no Kosei) | Bakugo Katsuki’s Quirk (Explosion)
- 雄英 (Yūei) – U.A. High School | Example: 雄英高校 (Yūei Kōkō) | U.A. High School
- 無個性 (Mukosei) – Quirkless | Example: 彼は無個性です (Kare wa mukosei desu) | He is Quirkless
- 平和 (Heiwa) – Peace | Example: 平和の象徴 (Heiwa no shōchō) | Symbol of Peace
- 力 (Chikara) – Power | Example: 個性の力 (Kosei no chikara) | Quirk Power
- 学校 (Gakkō) – School | Example: 雄英高校 (Yūei Kōkō) | U.A. High School
- 友達 (Tomodachi) – Friend | Example: 親友 (Shinyū) |Best Friend
- 勝利 (Shōri) – Victory | Example: 勝利の条件 (Shōri no jōken) | Conditions for Victory
- 挑戦 (Chōsen) – Challenge | Example: 新たな挑戦 (Aratana chōsen) | New Challenge
Recommended Episodes for Beginners
Here are some recommended episodes from My Hero Academia that are great for beginners:
Episode 1: “Izuku Midoriya”
Origin Introduction to key characters and basic vocabulary.
Episode 5: “What I Can Do for Now”
Focus on interactions and common phrases used in training.
Episode 13: “In Each of Our Hearts”
Learn phrases related to encouragement and teamwork.
Tips for Success!!
- Break Down Episodes: Focus on small segments of an episode. Translate and understand each part fully before moving on to the next.
- Active Listening: While watching, consciously listen for specific words or grammar structures you’re trying to learn.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards for new words and kanji you encounter. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory. Doing it online can easily help you remember to take a look at the Guide to Learning Japanese with Anki FlashCards. It will be a great support tool for your study journey.
- Character Journals: Write down quotes or lines from your favorite characters. This can help you remember the context and usage of phrases.
In this second episode, we’ve explored how My Hero Academia can enhance your Japanese learning journey. Building on our first episode with Naruto, we’ve looked at modern phrases, character speech styles, and key kanji in the My Hero Academia universe.
To improve your language skills, keep practicing regularly, watching scenes, and noting down new vocabulary. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into another beloved anime with more tips and insights.
Happy learning, and 頑張って (ganbatte)!
FAQ
Can watching anime improve my understanding of Japanese culture?
Yes, watching anime can improve your understanding of Japanese culture:
- Cultural References: Anime often includes cultural references, traditions, and societal norms.
- Daily Life: Provides insights into daily life and interactions in Japan.
- Language in Context: This helps you understand how language is used in various cultural contexts.
What are some other anime that are good for learning Japanese?
While My Hero Academia is an excellent choice, other anime series also offer great opportunities for learning Japanese. Some recommendations include:
- Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin): Known for its intense story and dialogue, this anime is great for learning more complex and dramatic Japanese.
- One Piece (ワンピース, Wan Pīsu): With its long run and extensive cast, you’ll encounter a wide range of vocabulary and expressions.
- Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi): This Studio Ghibli
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