In this article, I will explain Japanese grammar and vocabulary based on Satoru Gojo’s line “悪いけど、今忙しいんだ”. Let’s have fun learning Japanese through Jujutsu Kaisen!
The Basic Information of The Line
The basic meaning
in Japanese: “悪いけど、今忙しいんだ”
in Hiragana: “わるいけど、いまいそがしいんだ”
in Romaji: “waruikedo, ima isogashii nda”
Meaning: “Sorry, but I’m busy right now.”
The situation in which the line was spoken
This is a scene from the ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ movie. Suguru Geto is executing the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons in Tokyo and Kyoto, and Satoru Gojo is gearing up to confront it. Just before the battle begins, Gojo realizes that Geto’s true intention is to kill Yuta Okkotsu. He becomes determined to defeat the enemy in front of him as quickly as possible. However, that enemy is highly motivated. At that moment, Gojo says, ‘Sorry, but I’m busy right now.’
Grammatical Structure
悪い (Warui)
This is an adjective which means “bad” or “sorry.” In this context, it’s used in a way similar to saying “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me” in English.
けど (kedo)
This is a conjunction which is often translated as “but” or “however.” Here, it’s used to soften the statement that follows.
今 (いま / ima)
This is a noun which means “now” or “currently.”
忙しい (いそがしい / isogashii)
This is an adjective which means “busy.”
んだ (nda)
This is a colloquial contraction of the explanatory particle “のだ (noda).” It’s often used to provide an explanation or emphasis to a statement. In English, it might be similar to saying “It’s just that…” or “The thing is…”
General Use in Everyday Conversation
The phrase 「悪いけど、今忙しいんだ」 is quite suitable for everyday conversation among peers, friends, or family. In English, it translates to “Sorry, but I’m busy right now.” It’s a casual way to let someone know that you’re occupied and perhaps can’t chat or assist them at the moment.
Polite or Formal Speech (Keigo)
If you want to express the same sentiment in a more formal or polite manner, you would adjust the phrasing. A possible expression in 敬語 (Keigo) would be:
申し訳ございません、ただいま忙しいので… もうしわけございません、ただいまいそがしいので… moushiwake gozaimasen, tadaima isogashiinode…
Breaking this down:
- 「申し訳ございません」 (Moushiwake gozaimasen): A very polite way of saying “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.”
- 「ただいま」 (Tadaima): “Currently” or “right now.”
- 「忙しいので」 (Isogashii node): “Because I’m busy.”
The English translation would be along the lines of, “I apologize, but I’m currently busy.”
This polite version is suitable for professional settings, interactions with superiors, or in any situation where a higher level of formality and respect is needed.
Conclusion
“悪いけど、今忙しいんだ”
This expression is commonly used by Japanese people in everyday life. Since it’s a casual phrase, it would be good to choose and use a more polite expression depending on the situation.
Related articles