Chapter 32 - Explaining “Anata, anata, anata (you, you, you)”
While I was reading chapter 32 spoilers I noticed that this statement by Yashiro might be lost in translation, so I thought about elaborating it for those that are interested. Explaining how second person is used in the context of Japanese conversation is actually pretty damn complicated but hopefully I can explain it in a way that makes sense ^^
In general, Japanese people avoid using the word “you” when conversing with others as it is impolite under most circumstances. If the person has a title, you would use that e.g. Sensei, Kashira, Senpai. If not, you use their names e.g. Yashiro, Yashiro-san etc. to avoid using the word “you”
So, when is it appropriate to use the word “you”?
Before we get to this, it’s helpful to note that there are several ways of saying the word “you” in Japanese. I’ve listed the most common ones used nowadays (in order of politeness)
Anata (あなた) – most polite way of saying the word “you” (tend to be used more by girls than guys but can be both genders). In general, only used when referring to someone equal or lower than yourself, can be both formal and impolite depending on the context you use it in.
Kimi (君) – used when referring to someone equal or lower than yourself (used more by guys than girls) less polite compared to Anata but much politer than Anta/Omae
Anta (あんた/アンタ) – can be used by both genders, comes from the word “Anata” but way more informal. Impolite way of saying “you” in most context
Omae (お前) – used only by guys and similarly to Anta, impolite in most context
Teme (てめえ)/Kisama (貴様) – used only by guys and rudest way to say the word “you”. You often hear it in anime/manga to insult/express anger at another person but in real life it is not generally used
So back to the question about when it is appropriate/okay to use the word “you” without necessary being rude…
1. When older person is using it to refer to someone younger/less authority (e.g. teacher to student, boss to his subordinates, senpai to kouhai)
Yashiro often refers to his subordinates (Doumeki/Nanahara) as “Omae” and Misumi refers to Yashiro as “Omae”. While older person can refer to someone younger/less authority as “you”, in general, younger person should never be using the word “you” at someone who is older/has more authority unless they want to be disrespectful.
2. When there is strong desire/need to emphasise the word “You”
e.g. I like you [Kimi/Anata ga suki], I need you, what is your name? etc (but even in this case, it is unusual for someone younger to use the word “you” when conversing with older person and whether it’s rude or not is very context dependent).
3. Between two people that are intimate/close
Husband can refer to his wife as Omae and wife can refer to husband as Anata and it can be an endearment in certain context (more commonly accepted in western Japan than eastern).
Similarly, close male friends can use the word “Omae” especially in the context where their relationship is solid enough that formalities don’t matter. (e.g. Yashiro and Kageyama)
So how is Doumeki using the word “you”? From volume 1-3 there is two instances where Doumeki uses the word “Anata (you)” at Yashiro
“I’ll do anything if I can be by your side” (volume 1, chapter 3)
“I can’t ask for it to stop if that’s what you want to do” (volume 3, chapter 15)
We see Doumeki using the word “Anata (you)” during a more intimate scene with Yashiro when there is only two of them together. While he should really be saying “Kashira (boss)” instead of “Anata (you)”, he uses it here to emphasise the word “you” and to make his statement more personal by breaking the boundary between boss/subordinate relationship. While Yashiro is clearly noticing this, he doesn’t comment on it. If it was coming from any of the other subordinates, like Nanahara or Sugimoto I’m pretty sure they’ll be thoroughly beaten up. (He later does mention that he has a soft spot for Doumeki and it shows in this instance too)
From end of volume 4 onwards we start to see Doumeki use “Anata” much more frequently. He says it a total of 5 times at Yashiro during the time they spend together at his apartment.
Some examples: “I have always loved touching your hair”; “No if I hadn’t met you I would be…” (volume 5 chapter 24)
Here the word “Anata” conveys a more possessive tone akin to those exchanged between lovers.
In chapter 32, Doumeki again refers to Yashiro as “Anata”
“I will not leave by your side”
Yashiro repeats the word “Anata” back at Doumeki to make a statement that he is overstepping his boundaries as it is not a term that should be used between a boss and his subordinate. He also states right after that it was a mistake for him to sleep with Doumeki (Just because we’ve slept together, don’t think that you can boss me around is the undertone here)
Doumeki briefly corrects himself and says “Kashira” but is again saying “Anata” later in this chapter which I find quite funny.
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