かかってこい
kakatte koi
The English phrase "bring it on" can be translated into Japanese as かかってこい (kakatte koi).
かかってこい is an expression used to show confidence and to challenge someone to start a fight or a competition. It is typically used in high-tension situations like sports, martial arts or heated confrontations to signal that you are ready for a challenge.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb かかる (to approach/to engage) in the te-form and the imperative form of くる (to come), literally meaning "come at me / come towards me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
かかってこい uses the imperative (command) form, making it highly informal, aggressive and masculine in tone. For a more straightforward and casual way to say "bring it on", you can use やってみろよ.
How do you pronounce it?
kakatte koi
Did you know?
- While かかってこい sounds naturally aggressive, using it in real life can be seen as 'anime speech'. Many Japanese people only use this phrase when mimicking the dramatic archetypes of shonen manga or action films.
- In traditional Japanese martial arts, the spirit of 'bringing it on' is captured by the concept of 気合 ('kiai'). This is the loud shout used to focus energy and intimidate an opponent before the fight begins.
- The verb かかる in this phrase shares a root with the word for 'to hang' or 'to be locked'. In this context, it evokes the image of a predator pouncing or a trap springing shut on an opponent.
Examples in context
- よし、かかってこい！OK! Bring it on!This sentence is useful for practicing how to use かかってこい in a challenging context.Tatoeba #74924 by fcbond, translation #328795 by fcbond
- 田中：やってみろよ！ 佐藤：いいね、やってやる！Tanaka: Bring it on! Sato: Alright, I'm in!
- 準備はできている。かかってこい！Junbi wa dekite iru. Kakatte koi!I'm ready. Bring it on!
- 負けるつもりはない。かかってこい！Makeru tsumori wa nai. Kakatte koi!I have no intention of losing. Bring it on!
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are about to start a video game match.
- 大翔 Hiroto今回は絶対に負けないからな。Konkai wa zettai ni makenai kara na.I'm definitely not losing this time.
- 美咲 Misakiいい自信ね。かかってこい！Ii jishin ne. Kakatte koi!Such confidence. Bring it on!
- 大翔 Hirotoその意気だ。始めるぞ。Sono iki da. Hajimeru zo.That's the spirit. Let's start.
- 美咲 Misakiいつでもいいよ。Itsudemo ii yo.I'm ready whenever you are.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
