正義の味方
The English phrase "hero of justice" is 正義の味方 in Japanese.
While it literally translates to "ally of justice," 正義の味方 is the standard idiomatic expression used in Japanese to refer to a superhero or a righteous protagonist.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, calling someone a 正義の味方 can be used sarcastically to mock someone who is acting self-righteously or being a 'white knight'.
- In Japanese pop culture, this phrase is the quintessential trope for 'Sentai' or 'Tokusatsu' heroes, such as those in 'Power Rangers'. It carries a nostalgic, almost campy connotation of 1970s television.
- The word 味方 (mikata) literally means 'one who is on my side', rather than an 'ally' in a formal political sense. It evokes the feeling of someone standing right beside you in a struggle.
Examples in context
- 彼は正義のヒーローです。He is a hero of justice.
- 彼の行動はまさに正義のヒーローのようですね。His actions are truly like those of a hero of justice.
- 彼は正義のヒーローさ！He's a hero of justice!
- この人は俺たちの正義のヒーローだよ。This person is our hero of justice!
- 彼は正義の味方になりたいと言っています。Kare wa seigi no mikata ni naritai to itte imasu.He says he wants to become a hero of justice.
- 正義の味方はいつも街を守ります。Seigi no mikata wa itsumo machi o mamorimasu.A hero of justice always protects the city.
- アニメに出てくる正義の味方が大好きです。Anime ni detekuru seigi no mikata ga daisuki desu.I love the heroes of justice that appear in anime.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their favorite animated series at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui健太君は、どんなヒーローが好き？Kenta-kun wa, donna hīrō ga suki?Kenta, what kind of hero do you like?
- 健太 Kenta僕は正義の味方が一番好きだよ。Boku wa seigi no mikata ga ichiban suki da yo.I like the heroes of justice the most.
- 結衣 Yuiやっぱり、正義の味方はかっこいいよね。Yappari, seigi no mikata wa kakkoii yo ne.As expected, heroes of justice are cool, aren't they?
- 健太 Kentaうん、結衣ちゃんもそう思う？Un, Yui-chan mo sou omou?Yeah, don't you think so too, Yui?
