Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson celebrates victory! Naruto just saved the entire ninja world so this feature is dedicated to him. You can’t get a bigger win than that!

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In a previous lesson, we learned how to say KATTA and MAKETA (win and lose). Hopefully you guys remember that. We’ve also learned a good word to urge people to victory in GANBARE (do your best). Add the following words to your vocabulary to guarantee total victory!

SHOURI (しょうり)

SHOURI is “victory.” This is often used in sports manga when a team is trying to win the big game. SHONEN JUMP has a history of great sports manga, Cross Manage being a recent example. It’s just too bad the Fujioka lacrosse team couldn’t end their season with an inspiring win. But there’s always next season! What’s your favorite SHONEN JUMP sports manga? I’ll always have a soft spot for Hikaru no Go. And yes, I’m counting a board game as a sport!

YATTA (やった)

YATTA basically means “I did it!” or “Yes!!” I like to use this when I defeat Urian at Mario Kart. But I make sure to whisper it because he’s prone to pull the plug on the game if he hears me. Not being a sore winner or loser is an important lesson too!

What a cheater and a poor sport! Remind me never to challenge Foxy the Silver Fox from One Piece to a Davy Back fight!

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