死を覚悟しろ
shi o kakugo shiro
The phrase "prepare to die" in Japanese is 死を覚悟しろ (shi o kakugo shiro).
This phrase is used as a threatening command directed at an opponent to signal that their death is inevitable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 死 (shi, death), を (o, object marker), 覚悟 (kakugo, mental preparedness/readiness) and しろ (shiro, the imperative form of 'to do').
Which one should you use?
The default form 死を覚悟しろ is a harsh command. In contrast, adding ください (kudasai) to the end would create the polite version 死を覚悟してください, though a polite request is contextually incongruous for a death threat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal and aggressive. The use of the imperative form makes it highly aggressive, which is typical of combat or high-tension confrontations in fiction.
How do you pronounce it?
shi o kakugo shiro
Did you know?
- The word for death 死 (shi) is a homophone for the number four, which is why both are frequently avoided in Japanese hospitals and hotels.
- The word 覚悟 (kakugo) is also commonly used in business to describe a state of mental preparedness for a difficult task or a major change. While it can mean facing death, it is also used when a professional is ready to accept a tough challenge.
- While 死を覚悟しろ is common in anime, a historical samurai would more likely command an opponent to commit ritual suicide using the phrase 切腹しろ (seppuku shiro).
Examples in context
- 死を覚悟しろ！Shi o kakugo shiro!Prepare to die!
- 無駄な抵抗はやめて、死を覚悟しろ。Muda na teikou wa yamete, shi o kakugo shiro.Stop your futile resistance and prepare to die.
- 逃げ場はない。死を覚悟しろ。Nigeba wa nai. Shi o kakugo shiro.There is no escape. Prepare to die.
Example conversation
A dramatic confrontation between two rivals in an action movie.
- 美咲 Misakiついに追い詰めたぞ。死を覚悟しろ！Tsuini oitsumeta zo. Shi o kakugo shiro!I've finally cornered you. Prepare to die!
- 陽太 Yota美咲、そんな簡単に終わらせると思うなよ。Misaki, sonna kantan ni owaraseru to omou na yo.Misaki, don't think it's going to end that easily.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太、覚悟はできているのか？Youta, kakugo wa dekite iru no ka?Youta, are you prepared?
- 陽太 Yotaああ、いつでも来い！Aa, itsudemo koi!Yeah, bring it on anytime!
