Let’s learn Japanese with Motoko’s quote from Ghost in the Shell.
CONTENTS
Video
Motoko’s Quote
Japanese: 世の中に不満があるなら自分を変えろ。
Romaji: yononaka ni fuman ga aru nara jibun o kaero.
English: If you’ve got a problem with the world, change yourself.
Analysis
世の中 means “world”. You might know “世界” which also means “world” but 世界 is often used as the physical world whereas 世の中 is “a world” with a concept of “society” or “era”.
“に (towards) 不満 (dissatisfaction) がある (there is)” following a noun, means “have dissatisfaction towards something” or “have a problem with something”.
なら means “if” or “given” which is used when the speaker sees or hears a particular thing or situation from the listener and explains what to do under the given condition. So Motoko hears the guy complaining about the current system and she tells him what to do under the condition which is that he’s got a problem with the world.
自分 means “oneself” so in this context it means “yourself”.
を is the particle which is used to indicate the direct object of the following verb.
変えろ is the imperative form of 変える meaning “change something”. So Motoko is telling the guy to change himself. Please note that if you use imperative forms in real conversations, it sounds really bossy.
Examples
世の中 (world)
10年後、世の中はもっと進化しているだろう。
jū-nen go, yononaka wa motto shinka shiteiru darō.
After ten years, the world would be more developed.
政治家になって、世の中を変えたい。
seijika ni natte, yononaka o kaetai.
I want to become a politician and change the world.
世の中の仕組みを知ることは大切だ。
yononaka no shikumi o shiru koto wa taisetsu da.
It is very important to know the system of the world.
Noun + に不満がある (have a problem with something)
職場に不満があっても、なかなか辞められない。
shokuba ni fuman ga attemo, nakanaka yamerarenai.
Even if you are not happy in the work place, you can’t quit the job that easily.
みんな上司に不満があるけど、我慢している。
minna jōshi ni fuman ga aru kedo, gaman shite iru.
Everyone has a problem with their boss, but they are putting up with him.
政治家に不満がある人はたくさんいる。
seijika ni fuman ga aru hito wa takusan iru.
Many people aren’t satisfied with the politicians.
The synonym of 不満がある is 満足している (satisfied with).
Plain Form + なら (if, given)
A: 行ってきます。B: あ、出かけるなら牛乳買ってきて。
A: ittekimasu. B: a, dekakeru nara gyūnyū katte kite.
A: I’m leaving. B: Oh, if you are going out, buy some milk.
A: 今年の夏はどこか行きたいなぁ。B: 夏の旅行なら沖縄がいいよ！
A: kotoshi no natsu wa dokoka ikitai nā. B: natsu no ryokō nara okinawa ga ii yo!
A: I want to go somewhere this summer. B: For a summer trip, Okinawa is good!
(You see your friend looking cold) 寒いなら私の手袋貸してあげるよ。
samui nara watashi no tebukuro kashite ageru yo.
If you are cold, I can lend you my gloves.
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