Let’s learn Japanese with Rohan Kishibe’s quote from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (Jojo no Kimyou na Bouken).
CONTENTS
Video
Rohan Kishibe’s Quote
Japanese: だが断る。
Romaji: daga kotowaru.
English: But I refuse.
Analysis
だが is a conjunction meaning “but” or “however”. It can be replaced with でも which is usually used in casual and colloquial speech by both males and females. On the other hand, だが sounds more like written language and it’s often used by males.
断る means “to refuse”, which is the dictionary form of 断ります. By ending a sentence with the dictionary form without any sentence ending particles such as よ or ね, he’s expressing his strong decision and declaration.
This phrase is so popular that it has become the subject of many parodies. So I will introduce how to use だが断る in a proper situation.
In this scene, Rohan being held hostage is told that if he sacrifices Josuke, his life will be spared. So he once pretends that he is inclined to do that, but then he says “NO” to astonish the enemy who was certain that the answer would be “YES”.
So it is used towards someone who gives you a very attractive offer when you are desperate, believing that you will say “YES”. Also, using this phrase after pretending that you are going to accept it will be more effective. For example, when the most popular girl in class tells you that she can go out with you and she thinks you will say YES as you look desperate, you can say; 本当に付き合ってくれるの？…だが断る。(Can you really go out with me? … But I refuse). Or when a rich person offers to lend you some money because you have no money and you can’t even buy food, you can say; 本当にお金を貸してくれるの？…だが断る。(Can you really lend me money? … But I refuse).
Examples
だが (but, however)
目標は5キロ減量だ。だがそう簡単ではない。
mokuhyō ha go-kiro genryō da. daga sō kantan dewa nai.
My goal is to lose 5kg (weight). But it is not that easy.
姉は見た目が怖い。だが本当は優しい人だ。
ane wa mitame ga kowai. daga hontō wa yasashii hito da.
My sister looks scary. But she is actually a very nice person.
幽霊は信じない。だがお化け屋敷は怖い。
yūrei wa shinjinai. daga obakeyashiki wa kowai.
I don’t believe in ghosts. But I am scared of haunted houses.
It is used at the beginning of the second sentence.
Dictionary-Form to Express One’s Strong Decision and Declaration
海賊王に俺はなる！
kaizokuō ni ore wa naru!
I will become the King of Pirates!
高校を卒業したら、絶対大学に行く！
kōkō o sotsugyō shitara, zettai daigaku ni iku!
After I graduate from high school, I will definitely go to university!
決めた。明日からタバコをやめる！
kimeta. ashita kara tabako o yameru!
I’ve decided. I will quit smoking tomorrow!
With nai-form, you can express your strong decision not to do something.
もう二度とお酒を飲まない！
mō nidoto osake o nomanai!
I will never drink alcohol again!
- Kenshiro’s Quote “You’re Already Dead”
- Goku’s Quote “You Mean Krillin?!”
- Edward Elric’s Quote “Keep Moving Forward”
- Naruto’s Quote “How Can a Guy Who Can’t Save One Friend Become Hokage?”
- Tonegawa’s Quote “Money Is Worth More Than Life!”
- Porco’s Quote “A Pig That Doesn’t Fly Is Just An Ordinary Pig”
- Ichigo’s Quote “Miracles Only Happen Once, Right?”
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