分を弁えろ、痴れ者が
bun o wakimaero, shiremono ga
The English phrase "know your place, you fool" is expressed in Japanese as 分を弁えろ、痴れ者が (bun o wakimaero, shiremono ga).
This is a harsh command used to aggressively demand that someone acknowledge their inferior social status or rank compared to the speaker. The core command 分を弁えろ is used to tell someone to stop overstepping their bounds and recognize their position. While the phrase is used to demean others, note that 役立たず means "worthless" and てめぇ is a direct, strong way to say "you" in Japanese.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 弁えろ (wakimaero) is the forceful imperative form of this verb. The full phrase uses this to command the listener to discern their place.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This specific phrasing uses an imperative form and archaic vocabulary.
How do you pronounce it?
bun o wakimaero, shiremono ga
Did you know?
- While 'know your place' in English is often about behavior, the Japanese concept of 分を弁える (bun o wakimaeru) is tied to the virtue of 'modesty' when used in a positive, self-reflective sense.
- The word 分 (bun) refers to one's 'lot' or 'portion' in life. In a traditional Japanese context, this meant not just a social rank but a predestined role that one was expected to accept without complaint.
- The imperative form 弁えろ (wakimaero) is so aggressive that using it in a real-life modern setting could be interpreted as a verbal assault or a precursor to a physical fight.
Example conversation
A high-ranking official scolding a subordinate in a historical drama setting.
- 大翔 Hiroto分を弁えろ、痴れ者が。Bun o wakimaero, shiremono ga.Know your place, you fool.
- 結衣 Yui申し訳ございません、大翔様。Moushiwake gozaimasen, Haruto-sama.I am terribly sorry, Master Haruto.
- 大翔 Hiroto二度と無礼な真似はするな。Nido to burei na mane wa suru na.Never be so insolent again.
- 結衣 Yui以後、肝に銘じます。Igo, kimo ni meijimasu.I will take that to heart from now on.
