痛みを知れ
itami o shire
The English phrase "know pain" is translated into Japanese as 痛みを知れ (itami o shire).
This phrase is a command telling someone to experience suffering so they can understand what it feels like.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of itami (pain), the object marker o and the imperative form of the verb shiru (to know or to understand).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of the imperative form shire makes this phrase sound extremely aggressive, authoritative or villainous. It is considered informal and is characteristic of dramatic character dialogue.
How do you pronounce it?
itami o shire
Did you know?
- The phrase 痛みを知れ gained global fame through the character Pain in the anime 'Naruto', who uses it as a signature catchphrase during his attacks.
- Because this phrase uses the 'imperative' mood, it is almost never used by women in traditional Japanese speech patterns, as it is viewed as an overwhelmingly masculine and aggressive form of command.
- While itami means 'pain', Japanese has separate words for physical pain itami and the mental anguish of grief or sorrow kanashimi, though villains often blur these boundaries.
Examples in context
- 心の痛みEmotional pain
- 肉体の痛みPhysical pain
- 私の痛みを知れ。watashi no itami o shire.Know my pain.
- 本当の痛みを知れ。hontou no itami o shire.Know true pain.
- 絶望と痛みを知れ。zetsubou to itami o shire.Know despair and pain.
Example conversation
Two rivals are facing off in a fictional battle.
- 陽太 Yota逃げるな。痛みを知れ！Nigeru na. Itami o shire!Don't run. Know pain!
- 陽葵 Himariそんなことは恐くないわ！Sonna koto wa kowaku nai wa!I am not afraid of that!
- 陽太 Yota口だけか。痛みを知れ！Kuchi dake ka. Itami o shire!All talk, then. Know pain!
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、本気ね。Yōta, honki ne.Yōta, you're serious.
