選ばれし者
erabareshi mono
The English phrase "chosen one" is translated into Japanese as 選ばれし者 (erabareshi mono).
選ばれし者 refers to a person singled out by fate or a higher power to fulfill a special destiny.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the passive past form of the verb erabu (to choose), the archaic attributive particle shi and the noun mono (person/one).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
選ばれし者 has a literary tone. For a formal way to say "chosen one" that conveys being carefully selected for a specific purpose, you can use 選定された者.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using 選ばれた者 instead of 選ばれし者 makes the phrase sound like standard, modern Japanese rather than a legendary or prophetic title.
How do you pronounce it?
erabareshi mono
Did you know?
- The word mono in 選ばれし者 can mean 'person', but it can also mean 'thing'. In certain spiritual contexts, this implies that the chosen one is more of a tool for fate than a human with free will.
- In religious contexts, such as Buddhism, a person 'chosen' or 'awakened' is more likely to be called enlightened rather than chosen, as the focus is on personal effort rather than external selection.
- The particle shi in 選ばれし者 is a remnant of Classical Japanese. Today, it is almost never used in daily conversation and is primarily found in fantasy novels, anime and video games to create a sense of ancient prophecy.
Examples in context
- 彼は選ばれし者として、現れた。He appeared as the chosen one.
- 彼女は選定された者だけが入ることができる特殊なチームに選ばれた。She was chosen for a special team that only selected individuals can join.
- 彼が選ばれた人だと思う。I think he is the chosen one.
- あいつが選ばれし者だと思っているのか？Do you think that guy is the chosen one?
- 彼は選ばれし者だ。Kare wa erabareshi mono da.He is the chosen one.
- 選ばれし者の力はすごい。Erabareshi mono no chikara wa sugoi.The power of the chosen one is amazing.
- 伝説の選ばれし者が現れた。Densetsu no erabareshi mono ga arawareta.The legendary chosen one has appeared.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fantasy movie they just watched.
- 陽葵 Himari主人公は選ばれし者だったね。Shujinkou wa erabareshi mono datta ne.The protagonist was the chosen one, wasn't he?
- 健太 Kentaそうだね、運命を感じるよ。Sou da ne, unmei o kanjiru yo.Yeah, you can really feel the destiny.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君も選ばれし者のようだよ。Kenta-kun mo erabareshi mono no you da yo.Kenta, you are like a chosen one too.
- 健太 Kentaそんな大げさなことは言わないでよ。Sonna oogesa na koto wa iwanaide yo.Don't exaggerate like that.
