The Japanese language is an interesting and complex tangle of hieroglyphs, strange rules, incomprehensible adverbs and inappropriate prefixes. But once you start to understand its basics, it becomes clear that one can’t exist without the other. And you have to learn everything in order, paying attention to even the most insignificant details. In Japanese, most declarative sentences end with the prefix "desu". What does this word mean and why is it used so often? Let's try to figure it out.
Verb
So, what does "desu" mean in Japanese? This word means “to be.” Quite reasonably, the question may arise: why does the word “desu” appear in almost all sentences? The fact is that in Japanese verbs have no form or number. Most of them are placed at the end of the sentence and translated one word“desu” - “to be.”
To make it clear, let's give a small example.
あれわ 新幹線です。 (Are wa shinkansen desu) - If you translate this phrase literally, you get something like: “That is, a train.” In spoken Japanese, this would be interpreted as: "This is a train."
In fact, "desu" means nothing. This prefix gives verbs a neutral-polite tone. And since politeness is considered the main link in the Japanese mentality, this style of speech is most often found in everyday life.
Question
What “desu” means is now a little clearer. However, this verb has several other uses. Those who are learning Japanese and those who are just starting to master the basics may notice that there are often particles after “desu”. These particles are called “gobi” and in a sentence they are responsible for the emotional background.
One of the most popular particles is “ka”. If it comes after "desu", then the sentence is interrogative. For clarity, here are a few examples:
- あれわ 新幹線ですか? (Are wa shinkansen desu ka?) - In the first example, this phrase was affirmative, but after adding the particle “ka” it turned into an interrogative sentence: “Is this a train?”
- どなたですか? (Donata desu ka?) - Another example in literal translation will sound like: “Who is?” This interrogative pronoun, which is used when talking about a person, is perceived as a question: “Who is this?” This expression is more often used in polite, formal conversation. For less formal occasions it is customary to say: だれですか? (Dare desu ka?). The essence of the question remains the same, only the degree of politeness changes.
Thus, “desu” (which means “to be”) can appear not only in narrative, but also interrogative sentences. But there are two more “gobi” particles that can be found in tandem with “desu”.
"Yo" and "ne"
When studying materials on the Japanese language for beginners, you can often come across the combination “desu ne”. It often appears in phrases such as:
- わ、畳の部屋ですね。(Wa, tatami no heya desu ne.) - Translated, the sentence sounds quite simple: “This is a room with tatami.” But it’s worth paying attention to the prefix “va” at the beginning of the sentence, which means delight or admiration for what you see. In turn, the combination “desu ne” means that a person who admires a tatami room is not sure that the interlocutor shares his emotions.
Expressions of this kind are often found when Japanese speak with visitors. To visitors, everything in Japan seems new, but to the natives, it is just everyday life. This also works in the opposite direction: if a Japanese person comes to a foreign country and talks to someone in native language, you can often find the combination “desu ne”.
And it’s not “desu” at all
Those learning Japanese should know that "desu" (meaning "to be") is never fully pronounced. Due to the reduction of vowels, the output will be the word “des”. That is, when written, the word will still consist of two syllables “de” (で) and “su” (す), but it will be read as “des”.
Due to the fact that people who popularize oriental culture, there is not always sufficient knowledge, many Internet users are mistaken regarding the correct pronunciation.
To be or not to be
So, at this stage, “desu” has already been learned, what it means to “be.” But what to do when you need to “not be.” “To be or not to be” - Shakespeare’s words are most suitable for considering this issue.
The word "desu" has negative form“de wa arimasen”, which literally means “is not.” For example:
- 山田さんは学生ではありません。 (Yamada-san wa gakusei de wa arimasen.) - With a full literal translation, it will turn out: “Yamada-san is a student is not.” That is, the listener receives information that Yamada-san is not a university student.
The word "desu" is especially popular. It can be found in the original anime or manga, heard in the voice acting of dubbers, or remembered after watching some videos. But no matter what meaning one gives to the word “desu”, it is nothing more than a particle of speech. A kind of analogue of a period at the end of a sentence. And only thanks to this analogy, it is much easier to achieve understanding in a conversation, because “desu” can “be” or “not be,” ask, express emotions and provide additional information.
Today, Japanese culture is very in demand and popular among Russian teenagers, for this reason they are trying to learn about it eastern state more. Usually, after watching another anime film, viewers are left with questions about the meaning of certain concepts in the Japanese language. In this article we will look at what “kawai desu” means and touch on some other related concepts.
The term "kawaii"
So what does the word "kawaii" mean? This concept was borrowed from the Japanese language and can be translated as “adorable”, “cute”, “cool”. Kawaii is a term that among anime fans means everything that is cute and cute, that is, something that can cause bright positive emotions. This concept can also mean very positive events or situation. This term was first discussed thirty years ago, in connection with the new fashion that embraced all Japanese girls and even women. This direction forces already formed girls to behave and dress like a nymphet, that is, to be infantile and innocent. In addition, groups of anime fans actively use the kawaii phenomenon, creating one of the most popular female images in Japan - girls who look like dolls.
Kawaii as a style
Several decades have passed since the emergence of this trend, teenage fashion has changed dozens of times, but the “kawaii” trend remains unchanged, constantly finding fans in new generations of teenage girls. Today, the word “kawaii” is used not only in Japan, but also by teenagers around the world. However, not everyone can correctly explain what this word means. But this is not an obstacle to its use. At every opportunity, fans and anime fans use this Japanese term, leaving their interlocutors to wonder what this word means.
On at the moment doesn't exist certain rules, which would regulate the use of this word. Of course, any person will use the concept of “kawaii” at will, that is, based on the situation. After all, every anime fan has the right to independently determine the degree of “kawaii” of a particular situation or anime character.
It is necessary to understand that this word can be used not only for living people and pets, but also for a variety of beautiful things. In general, the Japanese love everything bright and shiny; behavior and behavior are important to them. external image. The Japanese consider "kawaii" the highest manifestation sympathy and cuteness. By the way, if we touch a little Japanese history, then we can say that the word “kawaii” was often used even in Japanese army.
Meaning of the word "desu"
What does "desu" mean? Desu - ( Japanese characterです) is a verbal connective in Japanese used to convey politeness. declarative sentence. IN oral speech the last vowel in this word is not pronounced, the term should be pronounced as "des". This connective is often used by children and foreigners who cannot correctly express the end of a sentence with intonation. The term has become widespread on the Internet as a bunch of words that anime characters use in Japanese films to give a respectful tone to speech.
What does "desu" mean among anime fans?
Close value this word: “Well, is everything clear?” Like any slang for a narrow circle, the “adverb of anime fans” is permeated in Japanese words, little used in ordinary life. It does not cause such obvious condemnation as the criminal jargon of the criminal environment, but expect understanding in response to similar expressions not worth it. This term is known to people who are connected to the Internet and various forums, even if they have nothing to do with the anime community. Thus, we can say that this is a small slang word that is placed at the end of a sentence and has become universal for many Internet users. It is used to give a sentence a very polite intonation. What does "kawai desu" mean? This word is used to describe something very touching and sweet.
Japanese term "nya"
The word “nya” is very connected with the theme of cats. In fact, this is how the cat’s “meow” is translated from Japanese. This is the same word used to call cats in Japan instead of the Russian "kis-kis". The word "nya" is used quite often by anime fans. It is quite consistent with the usage in Japanese.
Some anime characters can only communicate using this word. Cats are cute animals, so the word "nya" can be used perfectly as a replacement or addition to the word "kawaii". All this can be pronounced with the prefix "desu". What does “nyashny” mean in Russian? From the Japanese “nya” came the widely known term “cute”, which was transformed into short noun"nyash", that is, someone sweet and touching. The verb “nyakat”, which is similar in meaning to the same one, has also become widespread slang word, how to “rejoice”, that is, to be touched, touchingly admire and rejoice at something. What does "nya kawai desu" mean? These three words describe something very super cute, with a hint of delight.
Anime influence
Now it's clear what "desu" means in Japanese. The earliest commercial Japanese animation dates back to 1917, produced by Japanese anime has continued to grow steadily since then. Characteristic style anime art emerged in the 1960s with the works of Osamu Tezuka and spread to international level at the end of the twentieth century. This genre is shown in theaters, on television, and advertised in media mass media, as well as via the Internet. It is divided into numerous sub-genres aimed at different broad and targeted audiences.
Desu 1.
A particle that has no meaning. Used in polite speech. Also popular among anime fans.
Ohayo desu!
How are you? Desu.
Anime
2.In Japanese, it is placed at the end of a sentence as an affirmative particle, as if to say that this fact is immutable and irrefutable. The abuse of “desu” in every sentence is somewhat similar to the use of “however” in Russian. Not very welcome.
Watashi namae wa Sergei desu. (My name is Sergey).
Anime, Japanese
Dictionary modern vocabulary, jargon and slang. 2014 .
See what “desu” is in other dictionaries:
DESU- [fr. dessous] colloquial (beautiful) lingerie. Dictionary foreign words. Komlev N.G., 2006 ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
desu- *dessou m. 1.obsolete Women's underwear. The ladies, of course, had no idea about today's luxurious dessous; they all wore white starched skirts, white stockings, leather or lustrine shoes without heels and buttons. Skalkovsky Vosp. youth. This… …
Desu de carte- * un dessous de cartes. Reverse side, the lowdown. It seems to me that there is some kind of dessous de carte here. Is this not the intrigue of Bulgarin, the enemy of Vyazemsky and all journalists? 1828. A. Ya. Bulgakov to his brother. // RA 1901 3 193. But Grigorovich wanted... ... Historical Dictionary Gallicisms of the Russian language
pa coupe desu- * pas coupé dessous. Zorn 1890 158 … Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
sans desu desu- * sens dessus dessous. Bottom up; head over heels. In all of our houses, sens dessus dessous the nurse left yesterday, and today a German nanny arrived who does not know a word of Italian or French. 3. 5. 1876. A. A. Herzen N. A. Ogareva ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
kurіңdesu- (karak.) әңгіmelesu, soylesu. Kel, koshym, k ү r і ң d e s і p otyraiyk! (karak.) қ. kurendesu... Kazak tilinin aimaktyk sozdigi
In the world of Naruto, two years flew by unnoticed. Former newcomers joined the ranks of experienced shinobi at the rank of chunin and jonin. The main characters did not sit still - each became a student of one of the legendary Sannin - the three great ninjas of Konoha. The guy in orange continued his training with the wise but eccentric Jiraiya, gradually ascending to a new level of combat skill. Sakura was promoted to assistant and proxies healer Tsunade, the new leader of the Leaf Village. Well, Sasuke, whose pride led to his expulsion from Konoha, entered into a temporary alliance with the sinister Orochimaru, and each believes that they are only using the other for the time being.
The brief respite ended, and events once again rushed with hurricane speed. In Konoha, the seeds of old strife sown by the first Hokage are sprouting again. The mysterious Akatsuki leader has set in motion a plan for world domination. There is turmoil in the Sand Village and neighboring countries, old secrets are resurfacing everywhere, and it is clear that someday the bills will have to be paid. The long-awaited sequel manga inhaled new life into the series and new hope into the hearts of countless fans!
© Hollow, World Art
Swordsman Tatsumi, a simple boy from rural areas goes to the Capital to earn money for his starving village.
And when he gets there, he soon learns that the great and beautiful Capital is just an appearance. The city is mired in corruption, cruelty and lawlessness that comes from the Prime Minister, who rules the country from behind the scenes.
But as everyone knows, “Alone in the field is no warrior,” and nothing can be done about it, especially when your enemy is the head of state, or rather the one who hides behind him.
Will Tatsumi find like-minded people and be able to change something? Watch and find out for yourself.
Fairy Tail is a Guild of Hired Wizards, famous throughout the world for its crazy antics. The young sorceress Lucy was sure that, having become one of its members, she had found herself in the most wonderful Guild in the world... until she met her comrades - the explosive fire-breathing and sweeping away everything in his path Natsu, the flying talking cat Happy, the exhibitionist Gray , the boring berserker Elsa, the glamorous and loving Loki... Together they will have to defeat many enemies and experience many unforgettable adventures!
18-year-old Sora and 11-year-old Shiro are half-brother and sister, complete recluses and gambling addicts. When two loneliness met, an indestructible union was born " Empty space», terrifying for all eastern gamers. Although in public the boys are shaken and distorted in ways that are not childish, on the Internet little Shiro is a genius of logic, and Sora is a monster of psychology who cannot be fooled. Alas, worthy opponents soon ran out, which is why Shiro was so happy about the chess game, where the master’s handwriting was visible from the first moves. Having won to the limit of their strength, the heroes received an interesting offer - to move to another world, where their talents will be understood and appreciated!
Why not? In our world, nothing holds Sora and Shiro, and the cheerful world of Disboard is ruled by the Ten Commandments, the essence of which boils down to one thing: no violence and cruelty, all disagreements are resolved in fair play. IN game world There are 16 races, of which the human race is considered the weakest and most untalented. But the miracle guys are already here, in their hands is the crown of Elquia - the only country of people, and we believe that the successes of Sora and Shiro will not be limited to this. The Earth's envoys just need to unite all the races of Disbord - and then they will be able to challenge the god Tet - by the way, an old friend of theirs. But if you think about it, is it worth doing?
© Hollow, World Art
Fairy Tail is a Guild of Hired Wizards, famous throughout the world for its crazy antics. The young sorceress Lucy was sure that, having become one of its members, she had found herself in the most wonderful Guild in the world... until she met her comrades - the explosive fire-breathing and sweeping away everything in his path Natsu, the flying talking cat Happy, the exhibitionist Gray , the boring berserker Elsa, the glamorous and loving Loki... Together they will have to defeat many enemies and experience many unforgettable adventures!
University student Kaneki Ken ends up in a hospital as a result of an accident, where he is mistakenly transplanted with the organs of one of the ghouls - monsters that feed on human flesh. Now he himself becomes one of them, and for people he turns into an outcast subject to destruction. But can he become one of the other ghouls? Or is there no more room for him in the world now? This anime will tell about the fate of Kaneki and the impact he will have on the future of Tokyo, where there is a continuous war between two species.
The continent that lies in the center of the Ignola ocean is the large central one and four more - Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western, and the gods themselves look after it, and it is called Ente Isla.
And there is a name that plunges anyone on Ente Isla into Horror - the Lord of Darkness Mao.
He is the master of the other world where all the dark creatures live.
He is the embodiment of fear and horror.
The Lord of Darkness Mao declared war on the human race and sowed death and destruction throughout the continent of Ente Isla.
The Lord of Darkness was served by 4 powerful generals.
Adramelech, Lucifer, Alciel and Malacoda.
The four Demon Generals led the attack on the 4 parts of the continent. However, a hero appeared and spoke out against the army of the underworld. The hero and his comrades defeated the troops of the Lord of Darkness in the west, then Adramelech in the north and Malacoda in the south. The hero led the united army of the human race and launched an attack on the central continent where the castle of the Lord of Darkness stood...
Yato is a wandering Japanese god in the form of a thin, blue-eyed youth in a tracksuit. In Shintoism, the power of a deity is determined by the number of believers, but our hero has no temple, no priests, all donations fit into a sake bottle. The guy in the neckerchief works as a handyman, painting advertisements on the walls, but things are going very badly. Even the tongue-in-cheek Mayu, who worked as a shinki—Yato’s Sacred Weapon—for many years, left her master. And without weapons, the younger god is no stronger than an ordinary mortal magician; he has to (what a shame!) hide from evil spirits. And who needs such a celestial being anyway?
One day, a pretty high school girl, Hiyori Iki, threw herself under a truck to save some guy in black. It ended badly - the girl did not die, but gained the ability to “leave” her body and walk on the “other side.” Having met Yato there and recognizing the culprit of her troubles, Hiyori convinced the homeless god to heal her, for he himself admitted that no one can live long between worlds. But, having gotten to know each other better, Iki realized that the current Yato did not have enough strength to solve her problem. Well, you need to take matters into your own hands and personally guide the tramp on the right path: first, find a weapon for the unlucky one, then help him earn money, and then, you see, what happens. It’s not for nothing that they say: what a woman wants, God wants!
© Hollow, World Art
IN high school Suimei University of Arts has many dormitories, and there are apartment building"Sakura". While hostels have strict rules, everything is possible at Sakura, which is why its local nickname is “madhouse.” Since in art genius and madness are always somewhere nearby, the inhabitants of the “cherry orchard” are talented and interesting guys, too out of the “swamp”. Take the noisy Misaki, who sells to major studios own anime, her friend and screenwriter playboy Jin or the reclusive programmer Ryunosuke, who communicates with the world only via the Internet and telephone. Compared to them, the main character Sorata Kanda is a simpleton who ended up in a “psychiatric hospital” just for... loving cats!
Therefore, Chihiro-sensei, the head of the hostel, instructed Sorata, as the only sane guest, to meet his cousin Mashiro, who transfers to their school from distant Britain. The fragile blonde seemed like a real bright angel to Kanda. True, at a party with new neighbors, the guest behaved stiffly and said little, but the newly minted admirer attributed everything to understandable stress and fatigue from the road. Only real stress awaited Sorata in the morning when he went to wake up Mashiro. The hero realized with horror that his new friend - great artist absolutely out of this world, that is, she’s not even able to dress herself! And the insidious Chihiro is right there - from now on, Kanda will forever look after her sister, because the guy has already practiced on cats!
© Hollow, World Art
In the 21st century, the world community finally managed to systematize the art of magic and raise it to a new level. Those who are able to use magic after completing the ninth grade in Japan are now welcome in magic schools - but only if applicants pass the exam. The quota for admission to the First School (Hachioji, Tokyo) is 200 students, the best hundred are enrolled in the first department, the rest are in the reserve, in the second, and teachers are assigned only to the first hundred, “Flowers”. The rest, the “Weeds,” learn on their own. At the same time, there is always an atmosphere of discrimination in the school, because even the forms of both departments are different.
Shiba Tatsuya and Miyuki were born 11 months apart, making them the same year in school. Upon entering the First School, the sister finds herself among the Flowers, and the brother among the Weeds: despite the excellent theoretical knowledge, practical part it's not easy for him.
In general, we are waiting for the study of a mediocre brother and an exemplary sister, as well as their new friends - Chiba Erika, Saijo Leonhart (or just Leo) and Shibata Mizuki - at the school of magic, quantum physics, Tournament of Nine Schools and much more...
© Sa4ko aka Kiyoso
The "Seven Deadly Sins", once great warriors revered by the British. But one day, they are accused of trying to overthrow the monarchs and killing a warrior from the Holy Knights. Subsequently, the Holy Knights stage a coup d'état and seize power into their own hands. And the “Seven Deadly Sins”, now outcasts, scattered throughout the kingdom, in all directions. Princess Elizabeth was able to escape from the castle. She decides to go in search of Meliodas, the leader of the Seven Sins. Now all seven must unite again to prove their innocence and avenge their expulsion.
2021 An unknown virus "Gastrea" came to earth and destroyed almost all of humanity in a matter of days. But this is not just a virus like some kind of Ebola or Plague. He doesn't kill a person. Gastrea is an intelligent infection that rearranges DNA, turning the host into a terrible monster.
The war began and eventually 10 years passed. People have found a way to isolate themselves from the infection. The only thing that Gastrea cannot tolerate is a special metal - Varanium. It was from this that people built huge monoliths and surrounded Tokyo with them. It seemed that now the few survivors could live behind the monoliths in peace, but alas, the threat has not gone away. Gastrea is still waiting for the right moment to infiltrate Tokyo and destroy the few remnants of humanity. There is no hope. The extermination of people is only a matter of time. But the terrible virus also had another effect. There are those who are already born with this virus in their blood. These children, the "Cursed Children" (Exclusively girls) have superhuman strength and regeneration. In their bodies, the spread of the virus is many times slower than in the body ordinary person. Only they can resist the creatures of "Gastrea" and more to humanity there is nothing to count on. Will our heroes be able to save the remaining living people and find a cure for the terrifying virus? Watch and find out for yourself.
The story in Steins,Gate takes place a year after the events of Chaos,Head.
The game's intense story takes place partly in the realistically recreated Akahibara district, a famous otaku shopping destination in Tokyo. The plot is as follows: a group of friends installs a device in Akihibara to send text messages to the past. A mysterious organization called SERN, which is also involved in own research in the field of time travel. And now friends have to make enormous efforts to avoid being captured by SERN.
© Hollow, World Art
Added series 23β, which is alternative ending and leading to continuation in SG0.
Thirty thousand players from Japan and many more from around the world suddenly found themselves locked in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Legend of the Ancients. On the one hand, gamers were transported to new world physically, the illusion of reality turned out to be almost flawless. On the other hand, the “fallen people” retained their previous avatars and acquired skills, user interface and leveling system, and death in the game only led to resurrection in the cathedral of the nearest large city. Realizing that there was no great goal, and no one named the price for exit, the players began to flock together - some to live and rule according to the law of the jungle, others - to resist lawlessness.
Shiroe and Naotsugu, in the world a student and a clerk, in the game - a cunning magician and a powerful warrior, have known each other for a long time from the legendary “Mad Tea Party” guild. Alas, those days are gone forever, but also in new reality you can meet old acquaintances and just good guys with whom you won’t be bored. And most importantly, “Legends” appeared in the world indigenous people, who considers aliens great and immortal heroes. Involuntarily you want to become a kind of knight Round Table slaying dragons and saving girls. Well, there are plenty of girls around, monsters and robbers too, and for relaxation there are cities like hospitable Akiba. The main thing is that you shouldn’t die in the game, it’s much more correct to live like a human being!
© Hollow, World Art
The ghoul race has existed since time immemorial. Its representatives are not at all against people, they even love them - mainly in their raw form. Lovers of human flesh are outwardly indistinguishable from us, strong, fast and tenacious - but there are few of them, so ghouls have developed strict rules for hunting and camouflage, and violators are punished themselves or quietly handed over to fighters against evil spirits. In the age of science, people know about ghouls, but as they say, they are used to it. The authorities do not consider cannibals a threat; moreover, they view them as the perfect foundation to create super soldiers. Experiments have been going on for a long time...
The main character Ken Kaneki faces a painful search for a new path, because he realized that people and ghouls are similar: they just eat each other in literally, others - figuratively. The truth of life is cruel, it cannot be changed, and the one who does not turn away is strong. And then somehow!
In the world of Hunter x Hunter, there is a class of people called Hunters who, using psychic powers and trained in all manner of fighting, explore the wild corners of a mostly civilized world. Main character, a young man named Gon (Gun), the son of the great Hunter himself. His father mysteriously disappeared many years ago, and now, having grown up, Gon (Gong) decides to follow in his footsteps. Along the way he finds several companions: Leorio, an ambitious doctor medical sciences whose goal is enrichment. Kurapika is the only survivor of his clan, whose goal is revenge. Killua is the heir to a family of assassins whose goal is training. Together they achieve their goal and become Hunters, but this is only the first step on their long journey... And ahead is the story of Killua and his family, the story of Kurapika’s revenge and of course training, new tasks and adventures! The series stopped with Kurapika's revenge... What awaits us next after all these years?
The action takes place in an alternate reality where the existence of demons has long been recognized; V Pacific Ocean there is even an island - “Itogamijima”, where demons are full citizens and have equal rights with people. However, there are also human magicians who hunt them, in particular, vampires. An ordinary Japanese schoolboy named Akatsuki Kojou for some unknown reason turned into a “purebred vampire”, the fourth in number. He begins to be followed by a young girl, Himeraki Yukina, or "blade shaman", who is supposed to monitor Akatsuki and kill him if he gets out of control.
The story tells of a young man named Saitama, who lives in a world ironically similar to ours. He is 25, bald and handsome, and, moreover, so strong that with one blow he can annihilate all dangers to humanity. He is looking for himself in a difficult way life path, simultaneously handing out slaps to monsters and villains.
Now you have to play the game. What kind of game it will be will be decided by roulette. The bet in the game will be your life. After death, people who died at the same time go to Queen Decim, where they have to play a game. But in fact, what is happening to them here is the Heavenly Judgment.
Each group of people, united on any basis, sooner or later develops its own vocabulary, which allows them to maintain a conversation in general topics without long unnecessary explanations. The so-called anime fans, that is, anime fans, also did not escape this fate. Sometimes their vocabulary confuses unwitting listeners. What is "desu"? How to understand the phrase “opening kawaii nya desu”? And why does this “desu” randomly appear in almost any phrase, which leaves no opportunity to independently determine its meaning.
Where does “desu” come from: anime slang
However, “desu” initially carries a reinforcing and confirming meaning that must be respectfully included in the spoken phrase. It is essentially a linking verb that literally means “to be.” In anime, the word "desu" is overused by some hysterical personalities and comic characters. The excess of this word is used as artistic device, emphasizing the characteristics of the character.
What is desu and how to use it correctly?
From the point of view of an anime fan, especially a beginner, “desu” gives his speech the necessary Japanese flavor in order to pass as one of his own in a narrow circle. This is not to say that this is bad. Many, after initial attempts to figure out what “desu” is and whether it is needed in this speech at all, begin to seriously study it. Moreover, they achieve excellent results.
In a conversation with anime fans, “desu” can be used appropriately or inappropriately; this word will fit almost anywhere, since it means anything. This has nothing to do with academic Japanese, so we are talking purely about a get-together of anime connoisseurs. In most cases, excessive “desu” does not irritate anyone, since neophytes sin with it literally at every turn.
“Kawai nya desu” and other oddities
The most common combination of words in the anime crowd is “kawai desu”, “nya desu” or even together - “nya kawaii desu”. What are we talking about? If you take on the translation of each word separately, it will bring little clarity. “Kawaii” is what people usually say about something very cute. An incorrect derivative of the noun from the adjective “darling” is often found on the Internet; it looks like “cuteness” or even “mercy” in the sense of “something very nice and touching.” So "kawaii" is "cuteness" clean water. The word was used as a noun and immediately gave rise to the adjective “kawaii.” So a touching cat is automatically a kawaii cat.
The word “nya” is also closely related to the theme of cats. In fact, this is how the cat’s “meow” is translated from Japanese. The same sound is used to call a cat instead of our “kiss-kiss-kiss”. The word “nya” is used by anime fans anywhere, any way and in any quantity. This is quite consistent with Japanese usage. One of the former cats manages to give out long monologues that are not devoid of meaning using just this word. And since cats are cute, the word “nya” is perfectly used as a replacement or addition to the word “kawaii.” Also in use was the verb “nyakat”, which is similar in meaning to the same verbal formation as “kawait” - that is, to be touched, touchingly admire and rejoice at something. This is also where the well-known adjective “nyashny” came from, which in turn mutated into the short noun “nyash” (someone cute and touching). All this can be pronounced with the prefix “desu”.
The most popular meme "desu"
Like any fairly popular phenomenon, anime Japaneseisms have not avoided becoming memes. The expression “shito do desu” expresses quite malicious and even poisonous sarcasm for any reason, and is used as the final argument in any disputes or justifications. It literally means “what to do” and implies that there is nothing to do here, all that remains is to come to terms with it.
The expression itself is an original fusion of Russian and Japanese languages, seasoned with a two-slang version of the question “what?”, which differs from the usual one in the double volume of bewilderment involved.
The appropriateness of using anime stamps
Like any slang for a narrow circle, anime dialect, replete with Japaneseisms, is of little use in normal life. It does not cause such obvious condemnation as criminal jargon or the so-called “tramp slang”, but expect understanding in response to slang expressions it would be shortsighted. Of course, not everything is so simple with the word “desu”, translation and general meaning which almost all people in one way or another connected with the Internet community know, even if they have nothing to do with anime culture.
Japaneseisms in memetics
I would like to note that not only anime fans use common phrases or images that have Japanese roots. There is such an unrecognized science - memetics, which studies the emergence and influence of memes as an information unit. According to memetic principles, any replicated phrases, words or concepts become more capacious than ordinary explanations if you need to briefly and concisely express not only an opinion, but also an emotional connotation.
What was the origin of the word "desu"? Manga, anime, that is, somewhat exaggerated works aimed at children, teenagers and young people. This is now the most active part of Internet users, and time passes very quickly. The most famous memetic Japaneseism at the moment, which has spilled far beyond the anime crowd, is the word “nyash”, which is addressed to a very pretty girl, the prosecutor of Crimea. Memetics can be considered a pseudoscience, but the main thing cannot be taken away from it - just one thing a short word of three letters completely and exhaustively conveys the characteristics of the appearance of a public person. And there’s nothing you can do about it, desu.
