Why Does the Japanese Version of Dragon Ball Sound So Awkward?

[Bansho64]

You know, the same point I'm making about the Japanese version of DB is something I've actually heard about the original version of Yu Yu Hakusho. I once looked into it and heard that there was a dub of YYH, I think the Portuguese one, that actually conveyed the same "awkward-ness" and "TV-style of speaking" into their dub.

That means they probably translated it too literally. You can't really understand and really get the full context of the language without speaking it. Some things are gonna feel awkward and too literal.

[jjgp1112]

I hate to come across as nitpicky, but shouldnt the title of the thread be "Why Does the Japanese Version of Dragon Ball Reads So Awkward"

That said, Funi Kai and the Latin American version are heavily based on the original Japanese version and read just fine.

You know, the same point I'm making about the Japanese version of DB is something I've actually heard about the original version of Yu Yu Hakusho. I once looked into it and heard that there was a dub of YYH, I think the Portuguese one, that actually conveyed the same "awkward-ness" and "TV-style of speaking" into their dub.

Again, this simply comes down to the way its translated. The vast majority of languages can't be translated 1:1 and depend on interpretation. Natural ways of speaking in Japan can be translated any number of ways in English, from the awkward and incredibly literal, to more casual.

[z_cherub]

I hate to come across as nitpicky, but shouldnt the title of the thread be "Why Does the Japanese Version of Dragon Ball Reads So Awkward"

That said, Funi Kai and the Latin American version are heavily based on the original Japanese version and read just fine.

You know, the same point I'm making about the Japanese version of DB is something I've actually heard about the original version of Yu Yu Hakusho. I once looked into it and heard that there was a dub of YYH, I think the Portuguese one, that actually conveyed the same "awkward-ness" and "TV-style of speaking" into their dub.

Again, this simply comes down to the way its translated. The vast majority of languages can't be translated 1:1 and depend on interpretation. Natural ways of speaking in Japan can be translated any number of ways in English, from the awkward and incredibly literal, to more casual.

He's gotten this answer at least 3 times now. If he's not satisfied with it by now, I don't think anyone can provide what he's looking for...

[Bagginses]

Why do they curse so fucking much, shit

I REALLY stuggle to see where this came from. There is almost no cursing on Simmon's subs or even any of the dubs. This literally came out of nowhere. Nobody even brought up Anime Labs before this post was made.

Not quite. There are a few times where characters call each other ''bastards'' (like with Goku and Freeza), and also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash'' (which I actually think it's entirely inappropriate for Dragon Ball -- perhaps someone here can confirm if this translation is really accurate?).

It's definitely not most or even 50% of the time, but they DO curse a few times throughout the anime.

[Puto]

also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash''

No, he does not. The German dub did that, and it went memetic throughout the Internet, but the subtitles don't have that.

There are a few instances of 'shit' on the Dragon Ball (original series) subs though, the ones done by Clyde Mandelin.

[Jinzoningen MULE]

also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash''

No, he does not. The German dub did that, and it went memetic throughout the Internet, but the subtitles don't have that.

There are a few instances of 'shit' on the Dragon Ball (original series) subs though, the ones done by Clyde Mandelin.

Does anyone really care how often cursing is used? Aside from a few sheltered children, no one should be offended by any decent translation out there. Foul language is so scarce.

[Cure Dragon 255]

I'm now even more mystified than before, maybe he posted on the wrong thread?

[jjgp1112]

Why do they curse so fucking much, shit

I REALLY stuggle to see where this came from. There is almost no cursing on Simmon's subs or even any of the dubs. This literally came out of nowhere. Nobody even brought up Anime Labs before this post was made.

Not quite. There are a few times where characters call each other ''bastards'' (like with Goku and Freeza), and also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash'' (which I actually think it's entirely inappropriate for Dragon Ball -- perhaps someone here can confirm if this translation is really accurate?).

It's definitely not most or even 50% of the time, but they DO curse a few times throughout the anime.

All of these instances of "cursing" are just translators choosing them to present them that way because of the degree of harshness or context. The word commonly translated as "damn," kuso, is an interjection that literally means excrement and can be translated as any thing from "darn" (as was usually the case when Gohan was speaking) to "shit." Variations of it, such as kusottare, can be translated as "scumbag," "shithead", "asshole," "piece of crap," "piece of shit," or other types of waste-based insults !

The word translated for bastard I believe is a more insulting version of "you" or "person" or something like that. It can be translated as stuff like "low life" as well as "bastard" or "son of a bitch". Or "MOTHERFUCKER!" if you're AnimeLabs.

[Bagginses]

also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash''

No, he does not. The German dub did that, and it went memetic throughout the Internet, but the subtitles don't have that.

There are a few instances of 'shit' on the Dragon Ball (original series) subs though, the ones done by Clyde Mandelin.

I'm at a loss how to post a screenshot here, but I just checked my American Dragon Box 4 JUST to confirm this, and indeed, Cell DOES say ''H-Holy s--!'' before Vegeta's blast hits him. I will admit, however, that I didn't remember the ''Holy'' part, I just thought he said ''shit''. So it's even WORSE than I thought.

Granted, it's 'censored', but he DOES say it.

I'm now even more mystified than before, maybe he posted on the wrong thread?

Who are you talking about?

I REALLY stuggle to see where this came from. There is almost no cursing on Simmon's subs or even any of the dubs. This literally came out of nowhere. Nobody even brought up Anime Labs before this post was made.

Not quite. There are a few times where characters call each other ''bastards'' (like with Goku and Freeza), and also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash'' (which I actually think it's entirely inappropriate for Dragon Ball -- perhaps someone here can confirm if this translation is really accurate?).

It's definitely not most or even 50% of the time, but they DO curse a few times throughout the anime.

All of these instances of "cursing" are just translators choosing them to present them that way because of the degree of harshness or context. The word commonly translated as "damn," kuso, is an interjection that literally means excrement and can be translated as any thing from "darn" (as was usually the case when Gohan was speaking) to "shit." Variations of it, such as kusottare, can be translated as "scumbag," "shithead", "asshole," "piece of crap," "piece of shit," or other types of waste-based insults !

The word translated for bastard I believe is a more insulting version of "you" or "person" or something like that. It can be translated as stuff like "low life" as well as "bastard" or "son of a bitch". Or "MOTHERFUCKER!" if you're AnimeLabs.

Well, thanks, that was actually quite informative. I have just confirmed that Cell does say ''holy shit'' in the OFFICIAL English subtitles, but I am not sure if the word 'bastard' is actually used too. If it is, I would guess it's most likely on some episode of the Freeza vs. Goku fight.

[jjgp1112]

also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash''

No, he does not. The German dub did that, and it went memetic throughout the Internet, but the subtitles don't have that.

There are a few instances of 'shit' on the Dragon Ball (original series) subs though, the ones done by Clyde Mandelin.

I'm at a loss how to post a screenshot here, but I just checked my American Dragon Box 4 JUST to confirm this, and indeed, Cell DOES say ''H-Holy s--!'' before Vegeta's blast hits him. I will admit, however, that I didn't remember the ''Holy'' part, I just thought he said ''shit''. So it's even WORSE than I thought.

Granted, it's 'censored', but he DOES say it.

I'm now even more mystified than before, maybe he posted on the wrong thread?

Who are you talking about?

Not quite. There are a few times where characters call each other ''bastards'' (like with Goku and Freeza), and also I am pretty sure Cell says ''shit'' before being hit by Vegeta's ''Final Flash'' (which I actually think it's entirely inappropriate for Dragon Ball -- perhaps someone here can confirm if this translation is really accurate?).

It's definitely not most or even 50% of the time, but they DO curse a few times throughout the anime.

All of these instances of "cursing" are just translators choosing them to present them that way because of the degree of harshness or context. The word commonly translated as "damn," kuso, is an interjection that literally means excrement and can be translated as any thing from "darn" (as was usually the case when Gohan was speaking) to "shit." Variations of it, such as kusottare, can be translated as "scumbag," "shithead", "asshole," "piece of crap," "piece of shit," or other types of waste-based insults !

The word translated for bastard I believe is a more insulting version of "you" or "person" or something like that. It can be translated as stuff like "low life" as well as "bastard" or "son of a bitch". Or "MOTHERFUCKER!" if you're AnimeLabs.

Well, thanks, that was actually quite informative. I have just confirmed that Cell does say ''holy shit'' in the OFFICIAL English subtitles, but I am not sure if the word 'bastard' is actually used too. If it is, I would guess it's most likely on some episode of the Freeza vs. Goku fight.

But as I said, they're not explicitly saying these english swear words. They're using regular words that translators choose to translate as swears because of the manner in which they're used. There is no "swearing" in Japan, or at least swears that have a 1:1 English equivalent.

[Bagginses]

But as I said, they're not explicitly saying these english swear words. They're using regular words that translators choose to translate as swears because of the manner in which they're used. There is no "swearing" in Japan, or at least swears that have a 1:1 English equivalent.

Then I rephrase my point as that the English SUBTITLES have swearing, not the actual dialogue from the Japanese version.

[doomydoomydoom]

I believe Steve Simmons chose that translation due to the fact that it sounds like what Cell actually said, which was "shimatta," a general Japanese oath. Basically a little in-joke. He only says "HOLY SHI-" because Final Flash cuts him off. Simmons must have thought it appropriate for someone who was supposed to be the definitive unbeatable villain who gets defeated in the most epic fashion at that point.

There's really no clearcut answer as to why a translator may insert cussing. I thought Clyde Mandelin's choice to use "shit" several times during Piccolo Daimao in DB was interesting. Apparently it was intended to reflect the dark turn the series took at that juncture. Previously, I noticed Mandelin blunting even phrases like "shut up." In general, I prefer Steve Simmons. There's probably a few examples of where his literal approach sounds too wooden, but I like his idiom choices, especially during Raditz.

The AnimeLabs issue, which is over 20 years in the past by this point, is moot -- 20 year-olds wanted to be edgy, so they threw in words like "faggot" and insulted people in the "scene" at the beginning of tapes. It is funny and an interesting piece of the subculture's history though.

[Adamant]

I believe Steve Simmons chose that translation due to the fact that it sounds like what Cell actually said, which was "shimatta," a general Japanese oath. Basically a little in-joke. He only says "HOLY SHI-" because Final Flash cuts him off. Simmons must have thought it appropriate for someone who was supposed to be the definitive unbeatable villain who gets defeated in the most epic fashion at that point.

I believe he's mentioned it's actually a nod to the rather well known German dub of that scene, though I could be mistaken.

[Jinzoningen MULE]

I believe Steve Simmons chose that translation due to the fact that it sounds like what Cell actually said, which was "shimatta," a general Japanese oath. Basically a little in-joke. He only says "HOLY SHI-" because Final Flash cuts him off. Simmons must have thought it appropriate for someone who was supposed to be the definitive unbeatable villain who gets defeated in the most epic fashion at that point.

I believe he's mentioned it's actually a nod to the rather well known German dub of that scene, though I could be mistaken.

You are mistaken. The same thing happens in the comic, and it's a direct approximation of the line from the Japanese manga.

[LuckyCat]

This isn't in reference to the voices, so we can all leave our flame shields at home.

I'm referring to the dialog itself. It sounds awkward or dated, kind of like how an American Saturday morning cartoon would sound, but an anime equivalent. For instance, look at some dialog taken from the recent screenshots of Herms episode reviews on Twitter (huge fan, btw):

Goku: "Have you even thought once that Kaioshin, who all else should be an incredible guy, was impressive?"

Gohan: "Kaioshin-sama, isn't Majin Boo still something like a child? If we defeat Babidi there, would he perhaps not do such maniacal things?"

Kaioshin: "I am helplessly chagrined at myself that there is nothing I can do."

One can say it's the way it's being translated by Steve Simmons, but I've definitely known Herms translations to have a similar sense of "overtly-descriptive" tone to them.

The other solution would be changing the translated dialog so it sounds more natural, but then you're essentially making closed captions for the dub. Translations in general use more of the written word than the spoken vernacular, because the lengthier written version is technically more correct.

But, could they have done a better job with these examples? I'm sure of it.

[Bagginses]

I thought Clyde Mandelin's choice to use "shit" several times during Piccolo Daimao in DB was interesting. Apparently it was intended to reflect the dark turn the series took at that juncture. Previously, I noticed Mandelin blunting even phrases like "shut up." In general, I prefer Steve Simmons. There's probably a few examples of where his literal approach sounds too wooden, but I like his idiom choices, especially during Raditz.

This Clyde Mandelin is the one responsible for the subtitles that the DB season sets (commonly reffered as ''blue bricks'') have? I thought Steve Simmons did the subtitles for DB from beginning to end (DB-DBGT).

[Bagginses]

I believe Steve Simmons chose that translation due to the fact that it sounds like what Cell actually said, which was "shimatta," a general Japanese oath. Basically a little in-joke. He only says "HOLY SHI-" because Final Flash cuts him off. Simmons must have thought it appropriate for someone who was supposed to be the definitive unbeatable villain who gets defeated in the most epic fashion at that point.

I believe he's mentioned it's actually a nod to the rather well known German dub of that scene, though I could be mistaken.

You are mistaken. The same thing happens in the comic, and it's a direct approximation of the line from the Japanese manga.

Not to bother, buy would you have a scan of the American manga page to confirm/prove that?

[Jinzoningen MULE]

I believe he's mentioned it's actually a nod to the rather well known German dub of that scene, though I could be mistaken.

You are mistaken. The same thing happens in the comic, and it's a direct approximation of the line from the Japanese manga.

Not to bother, buy would you have a scan of the American manga page to confirm/prove that?

I don't own that volume yet, but I've read the English and I've seen scans of the Japanese. I don't know where you'd find that chapter in good quality online, but I encourage you to look for it. I believe Herms even confirmed it on twitter a few weeks back during his episode reviews.