How to Speak Like a Samurai

Key concepts in the Samurai language

Samurai language was characterized by its emphasis on honour, loyalty, and discipline. Samurai also had a distinct way of speaking, which was formal and respectful, even in casual conversation.

But please be careful. If foreigners suddenly start using the Samurai language, Japanese people will be surprised, and you might be considered strange.

The attitude of speaking the Samurai language

Speaking like a samurai requires a formal and respectful tone, even in casual conversation. Some key elements to keep in mind include:

• Addressing others with respect, using their honorific title (such as -san or -sama in the end of people’s name)
• Using polite language, such as keigo, a polite way of speaking in Japanese
• Avoiding slang or casual language
• Emphasizing honour, loyalty, and discipline in your speech

By incorporating these elements into your speech, you can emulate the formal and respectful tone of the samurai language.

The vocabulary of the Samurai language

拙者 /seʃʃa/

“拙者” is a humble way of referring to oneself in Japanese. It can be translated to “humble me” or “clumsy one” in English. In the context of samurai language, it is a way for samurai to show humility and respect towards others, even in their own speech.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
拙者、XXと申す	/seʃʃa xxx (your name) to moːsu/	I am called XX

ござる /ɡozaɾu/

While the use of “gozaru” at the end of phrases could be used to emulate the tone of samurai language, however, it is important to note that this style of speaking is not commonly used in modern Japanese society and may come across as outdated or overly formal in casual settings.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
こちらが、侍言葉のリストでござる	/kotʃiɾa ɡa samuɾai kotoba no ɾisuto de ɡozaɾu/	This is the list of the samurai language

達者 /taʃʃa/

“達者” originally meant “in good physical condition,” but in modern usage, it means “not sick or injured.”

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
達者でな	/taʃʃa dena/	Take care
達者でござるか？	/taʃʃa de gozaɾu ka/	Are you doing well?

心配ご無用 /ʃinpai ɡomujou/

“心配ご無用” can be translated to “No need to worry” or “Don’t worry about it”.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
心配ご無用でござる	/ʃinpai ɡomujou de gozaɾu/	No need to worry

うつけ /utuke/ うつけ者/utuke mono/

“うつけ” and うつけ者 can be translated to “fool” or “idiot”.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
このうつけ者が！	/kono utuke mono ga/	You idiot!

面目ない /menboku nai/

“面目ない” can be translated to “shameful” or “embarrassing”.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
いやあ、面目ない	/ijaˑ menboku nai/	Well, I’m ashamed of myself

かたじけない /katagike nai/

“かたじけない” is a word that expresses the feeling of fearing that one has burdened someone of high status, but in terms of nuance, it has two meanings: “sorry” and “grateful”.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
いやあ、かたじけない	/ijaˑ katagike nai/	Ohh dear, It’s too much for me

助太刀いたす /sukedatʃi itasu/

“助太刀いたす” can be translated to “I will help you”. Originally, it referred to assisting in duels or revenge against enemies and has been used since the Muromachi period. “いたす” shows your will.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
敵は手強い、助太刀いたす	/tekiwa teɡowai sukedatʃi itasu/	The enemy is strong, so I will help you

太刀打ちできぬ /tatʃi utʃi dekinu/

“太刀打ちできぬ” means “unable to compete on equal terms with a strong opponent.” The phrase originates from fighting with a “tachi,” a long sword, against shorter swords. “太刀打ち” means to fight on equal terms, and “できぬ” is impossible.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
敵は手強い、太刀打ちできぬ	/tekiwa teɡowai tatʃi utʃi dekinu/	The enemy is strong, so it is impossible to fight equally

御意 /ɡjoi/

“御意” express “I understood” or “it’s my pleasure to assist you.” When your boss orders something, you can say “御意”.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
「頼んだぞ」「御意」	/tanonda zo/ /ɡjoi/	“Do it” “I understood”

切羽詰まる /seppa tumaɾu/

“切羽” is metal fitting attached to Japanese sword guard. This is derived from the fact that if the 切羽 get stuck, the blade cannot be pulled out, and it becomes helpless in front of the enemy. Based on that, it shows that Samurai can’t do anything against the opponent.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
やつは切羽詰まっているぞ	/jatuwa seppa tumatte iɾuzo/	Look, the guy can’t do anything

単刀直入 /tantoː tʃokujuː/

“単刀直入” means getting to the main point without any preface. Originally, it referred to cutting into the enemy’s camp with a single sword or alone, rather than using two long and short swords.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
単刀直入に言おう	/tantoː tʃokujuː ni iou/	Get straight to the point

元の鞘に収まる /moto no saja ni osamaɾu/

“元の鞘に収まる” means “reconciliation between people who once had a falling out and returning to their previous close relationship.” This phrase is often used in the context of husband and wife or romantic relationships. Its origin comes from the idea of the curvature of a sword matching perfectly with the scabbard.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Those two seem to be returning to their previous relationship
あの二人、元の鞘に収まったらしいな	/ano hutaɾi moto no saya ni osamatta ɾaʃiːna/	Those two seem returning to their previous relationship

身から出た錆 /mi kaɾa deta sabi/

The concept of “one’s misdeeds coming back to haunt them”. Here, “身” refers to the “blade of a sword”. This is an analogy for how a poorly maintained blade will rust and become useless when it is needed most.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
放っておけ、身から出た錆だろう	/houtteoke mi kaɾa deta sabi daɾou/	Leave him, his misdeeds have come back to him

付け焼刃 /tukejakiba/

付け焼き刃 refers to techniques and knowledge that are put together hastily. The term’s origin comes from a blade that has been sharpened and maintained to look as though it has been properly heat-treated without actually undergoing the formal tempering process for adding the hardened edge to the blade.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
彼の教養は付け焼き刃にすぎない	/kaɾe no kyoːjoː wa tukejakiba ni suɡinai/	His education is nothing or stopgap but an afterthought

影武者 /kaɡemuʃja/

The origin of “影武者” comes from a warrior who dressed up as a double, general to deceive the enemy. In modern Japanese, it can also mean “ringleader”.

Japanese Example	Pronunciation	Meaning in English
殺されたのは、影武者だったと噂されている	/koɾosaɾeta nowa kaɡemuʃja datta to uwasa saɾete iɾu/	Rumor has it that the man killed was a double

Considerations when using Samurai language

While the Samurai language is a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture and history, it is crucial to use it with caution and consideration for the context and audience. It is important to understand the appropriateness of using these terms and the correct usage and context of each term. Remember that using the Samurai language in modern Japanese may be considered strange and outdated, so please do so thoughtfully and carefully.

Japanese Basic Words 100