In this article, I will explain Japanese grammar and vocabulary based on Satoru Gojo’s line “雑魚が見てんじゃねえよ”. Let’s have fun learning Japanese through Jujutsu Kaisen!
The Basic Information of The Quote
The basic meaning
in Japanese: “雑魚が見てんじゃねえよ”
in Hiragana: “ざこがみてんじゃねえよ”
in Romaji: “zako ga miten ja neeyo”
Meaning: “Don’t watch me, weaklings.”
The situation in which the line was spoken
This line was spoken by Satoru Gojo. When Satoru Gojo was a child, there were already rumors that he was the strongest. Because a bounty was placed on Satoru Gojo’s life, two assassins went to scout him to see what kind of child he was. From a distance, the assassins observed him. Just by looking at Satoru Gojo, Both of the assassins understood his strength and was terrified. Realizing he was being watched, Satoru Gojo looked at the assassins and, with a menacing aura, said, ‘Don’t watch me, weaklings.’
Grammatical Structure
雑魚（ざこ / zako）
This word means “small fish,” but in slang, it refers to someone weak or inferior. In English, it might be akin to calling someone a “small fry” or “nobody.”
が （ga）
This is a subject marker. It indicates what or who is performing the action or being described.
見てん（みてん / miten）
This is a colloquial contraction. The original form is “見ている” (miteiru) which means “looking” or “watching”. When spoken in casual conversation, especially in a rough or aggressive tone, the “いる” (iru) is often shortened, leading to “見てん” (miten).
じゃねえ（jyanee）
This is a colloquial and rough way to say “じゃない” (jyanai), which means “is not” or “don’t.” The “じゃ” (jya) is a contraction of “では” (dewa). The “ねえ” (nee) is a more forceful or masculine way to say “ない” (nai).
よ（yo）
This is a sentence-ending particle used to add emphasis or assertion to a statement. In this context, it intensifies the speaker’s command or emphasis.
Put it all together, and the sentence 「雑魚が見てんじゃねえよ」 can be translated to something like “Don’t look, you nobody!” or “Quit staring, small fry!” The tone is aggressive and commanding.
Side Note
The term “雑魚” (zako) is frequently used among young people. It refers to a weak enemy as “雑魚敵” (zako-teki), and can be used in a derogatory manner to mock someone, as in “お前雑魚いね” (omae zako ine) which could translate to “You’re so weak” or “You’re such a loser”. When using this term towards a person, it is definitely a way to belittle them, so exercise caution when choosing to use it.
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