死ぬよ
shinu yo
The English phrase "you will die" is translated into Japanese as 死ぬよ (shinu yo).
This phrase is used to state that someone is going to die.
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter 死ぬぞ, which is an informal version. For a polite version, use 死にますよ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 死ぬよ is informal and is used with people of equal or lower status, or in casual settings. If you need to be polite, use 死にますよ. The form 死ぬぞ is also informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 死ぬ is in its dictionary form, which in this context functions as a future tense 'will die'.
How do you pronounce it?
shinu yo
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the verb 死ぬ is frequently used as an intensifier to describe extreme states, such as being 'dead tired' or 'dying of laughter'.
- In Japanese, saying 'you will die' directly to someone's face is considered extremely blunt and socially aggressive, far more so than the English equivalent.
- Using the particle ぞ in 死ぬぞ gives the phrase a rugged, masculine, or even threatening tone, often heard in anime or manga during combat.
Examples in context
- さもなければ、死ぬよ。Otherwise, you will die.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 死ぬよ in a conditional context.Tatoeba #8532774 by small_snow, translation #7591043 by AlanF_US
- そんな高い所から飛び降りたら、死ぬよ。Sonna takai tokoro kara tobichitara, shinu yo.If you jump from such a high place, you will die.
- 毒が入っているから、死ぬよ。Doku ga haitte iru kara, shinu yo.There is poison in it, so you will die.
Example conversation
A young man is playing a dangerous video game.
- 美咲 Misakiそんな危険な遊びを続けたら、死ぬよ。Sonna kiken na asobi o tsuzuketara, shinu yo.If you keep playing such a dangerous game, you will die.
- 陽太 Yota大丈夫だよ、美咲。Daijoubu dayo, Misaki.I'll be fine, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太、本当に心配なの。Youta, hontou ni shinpai nano.Youta, I am truly worried.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった、もうやめるよ。Wakatta, mou yameru yo.I understand, I'll stop now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
