In recent years, anime fans have increasingly come across the expressions Tatakae and Tatakai. Both words carry significant weight in moments of battle and overcoming challenges, especially in epic and emotional stories. But after all, what is the true meaning of these words, and why have they become so popular?
If you have watched animes like Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin), you have probably been moved by the cry of "Tatakae!" echoing in decisive scenes. In this article, we will uncover what "Tatakae" really means, explain the difference between "Tatakae" and "Tatakai", and explore how these words connect to Japanese culture and anime themes.
Table of Contents
Tatakae: the cry of battle and determination
The word Tatakae [戦え] is an imperative form of the verb Tatakau [戦う], which means "to fight," "to battle," or "to wage war." Primarily used by men, this expression is a clear and direct command to go into battle, face a challenge, or stand firm in the face of adversity. It is common to hear "Tatakae!" in contexts where the protagonist needs to gather strength to confront an enemy or a difficult situation.
Why did "Tatakae" become so famous?
The popularity of "Tatakae" gained strength especially with the anime Attack on Titan, where the protagonist Eren Yeager constantly motivates himself and others with the shout "Tatakae!". The expression became a symbol of resistance and courage, reflecting the characters' constant struggle for survival in a devastated world.
In the context of Japanese culture, "Tatakae" is not just a command word, but also an internal affirmation of strength. It can be translated as "Fight!", "Go to battle!", or even "Hold on!", depending on the situation.
Tatakai: the battle itself
Unlike "Tatakae," which is a command, Tatakai [戦い] is a noun that means "fight", "battle", "war", or "conflict". It refers to the act itself, to the situation of confrontation. In epic narratives, "Tatakai" often represents the conflict as a whole, whether physical or psychological.
Battles in anime
In anime, "Tatakai" is used to refer to the war or battle that is happening, or that has already occurred. A striking example is when characters refer to a legendary battle or a devastating war. In contrast with "Tatakae", which is a personal command, "Tatakai" is used to talk about the action or the event of combat itself.
Similarities and differences
To clarify, here is a brief summary of the differences:
- Fight: Imperative form of the verb "Tatakau" - used to incite fighting or motivate.
- BattleNoun - means fight, battle, war, or conflict.
Both words share the root [戦], which means war or combat, but their application changes according to the context.
Expressions similar to "Tatakae"
The expressions we are going to see next are common in anime, especially in battle scenes or moments of encouragement, and have motivational or challenging meanings similar to "Tatakae".
- Ganbare (がんばれ) / Ganbatte (がんばって) - "Make an effort" or "Do your best".
- Ikuzo (行くぞ) - "Let's go" or "Let's do this."
- Yatte miyou (やってみよう) - "Let's give it a try."
- Shoubu da (勝負だ) - "It's time to fight" or "Let's duel".
- Kakatte koi (かかってこい) - "Come" or "Bring it."
- Tachikire (立ち切れ) - "Hang in there" or "Don't give up".
- Ikimashou (行きましょう) - "Let's go".
- Makenaide (負けないで) - "Don't give up".
- Tatakai wo yameru na (戦いをやめるな) - "Don't stop fighting".
- Susume (進め) - "Advance" or "Proceed."
Other expressions related to combat
In addition to "Tatakae" and "Tatakai," the Japanese language has other that are also related to the concept of fighting and battle:
- Ikusa (war) - It means war, but it can also refer to troops and military forces.
- Sen (戦) - Battle - A prefix that can mean war or combat, as in "Senzou" [戦争] (war).
- Martial Arts - Close combat or physical fighting.
- Decisive Battle - Decisive battle.
These words broaden the understanding of the combat universe in anime and Japanese culture.
Tatakae, Tatakae, Tatakae!
Fight, fight and fight! This repeated expression caused curiosity in anime fans, some even believed that such expression started appearing in Shingeki, but it is a very common expression, including its repetition.
Did you know the meaning of Tatakae? Did you like knowing the difference between tatakai and tatakau? If you liked the article, share it so more people can understand the real meaning.
