Learn Japanese with Satoru Gojo’s quote “Naiteru?”

In this article, I will explain the Japanese language based on the quote “Naiteru?” spoken by Gojo Satoru in the first episode of the Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. Let’s enjoy learning Japanese!

Table of contents

The Basic Information of The Quote
Grammatical Structure
Using in Everyday Conversation

The Basic Information of The Quote

The basic meaning

In Japanese: “泣いてる？”

In Hiragana: “ないてる？”

In Romaji: “naiteru?”

Translation: “Are you crying?”

The situation in which the line was spoken

This line is from the ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Season 2, when Satoru Gojo first appears and addresses Iori Utahime. Satoru Gojo often teases Iori Utahime in their daily interactions, so this line carries a teasing nuance in this scene. However, the nuance of teasing depends on the way it’s said; the words themselves do not inherently convey this nuance.

Grammatical Structure

「泣いてる？」is constructed from the verb 「泣く」(“naku”), meaning “to cry,” and is in its te-form plus the auxiliary verb 「いる」(“iru”), which indicates an ongoing action, thus making “naite iru” equivalent to “is crying” in English. When phrased as a question 「泣いてる？」(“Naite iru?”), it translates to “Are you crying?”

Breakdown

「泣く」(naku)to cry
「泣いて」(naite): te-form of “naku”, used to combine with auxiliary verbs.
「いる」(iru): to be (used for ongoing action)
「泣いてる？」(naite iru?): Are [you] crying?

Using in Everyday Conversation

In everyday conversation, this phrase is used when someone wants to ask if the other person is crying, usually out of concern. It is important to be sensitive to the situation when using this phrase, as asking someone if they are crying can be quite personal.

Usage Example:

If a friend seems upset, you might ask, 「大丈夫？泣いてる？」(“Daijoubu? Naite iru?”), meaning “Are you okay? Are you crying?”

How to Respond:

If you are not crying: 「泣いてないよ。」(“Naite nai yo.”) – “I’m not crying.”
If you are crying: 「うん、泣いてる。」(“Un, naite iru.”) – “Yes, I’m crying.”

Tips:

Politeness: When speaking to elders or superiors, it is more appropriate to use a more polite form, like「泣いていますか？」(“Naite imasu ka?”).
Tone and Context: The tone of voice plays a crucial role in conveying the correct emotion and intention behind the phrase. The context in which the phrase is used also influences its meaning and appropriateness.
Sensitivity: Understanding the emotional state of the person you are speaking to is crucial when using this phrase. Avoid using it in a manner that might seem mocking or insincere.