We hear the phrase Shinzou Wo Sasageyo in Attack of Titan and if you’re wondering what does it mean – Shinzou Wo Sasageyo translates to give your hearts.
Wondering what is the meaning of Shinzou Wo Sasageyo, the phrase you so often hear in the anime series Attack on Titan. Here’s the actual translation and meaning of Shinzou Wo Sasageyo
In Japanese, Shinzou Wo Sasageyo literally means to give your hearts. But is this all? You would think that Attack On Titans would be too shallow if they make their fans sing Sasageyo! Sasageyo! Without meaning anything.
And you are right! That’s not all. Let us dive into scrutiny and examine these words to comprehend why Sasageyo holds tremendous importance, both in the show and in real life.
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What is the Meaning Of Shinzou Wo Sasageyo?
In Attack on Titan, “Shinzou wo Sasageyo!” is a powerful and iconic phrase translated as “Dedicate Your Hearts!” or “Give Your Hearts!”. It’s a battle cry used by the Survey Corps to express their unwavering dedication to fighting for humanity, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
The phrase carries a lot of weight and meaning in the context of the anime. It embodies the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the characters who constantly put their lives on the line against the monstrous Titans. It’s a call to action, urging each other to give their all, not just for themselves, but for the sake of their comrades and the future of humanity.
Even if you haven’t watched Attack on Titan, the phrase can still resonate with its message of dedication and perseverance. It’s a reminder that even when faced with immense challenges, giving your heart and fighting for what you believe in can make a difference.
What is the Meaning of Shinzou?
Shinzou in Japanese literally means the heart. When you have to say heart in Japanese, you can say it in three terms, one is shinzou; which means the physical organ.
Ha-to is the anglicized term for the word love heart and when you refer to your heart as a linking element to your body and soul, the right word to use is Kokoro.
It is not commonplace for an anime or any tv show for that matter to pick literal meanings, as the world has sunk so deep into metaphors and indirect phrases.
So the Attack On Titan opening thing has rather been mind-bending for the fans who understand the language as to why someone would pick such a mainstream word.
I believe it is a good thing. The creators have chosen a direct path to explain their motive and honestly, ‘Shinzou Wo Sasageyo’ together goes pretty well. Who would have thought that even such a small fact has to take lots of brains to work on and create an impact on the anime community?
Not only the sound of the phrase, but even the amalgamation of these straightforward words in Japanese create a very meaningful sentence.
- Related: Meaning of Tatakai and Tatakae
- Related: Meaning of Nico Nico Nii
Shinzou Wo Sasageyo Translation
Shinzou Wo Sasageyo, when translated, says ‘Give Your Hearts’. If this is used by anyone in real life, one might get an understanding of going all in on something or pursue a task with undivided attention to focus on the goal.
But in the show Attack On Titan, ‘sacrifice’ or giving away your life would make more sense because when we look back and throw light on the show, all we can see is the Titans sacrificing themselves from the very start, building a plot which gets thicker every season, hence the opening. Other words to translate Shinzou Wo Sasageyo are:
- Sacrifice your heart
- Dedicate your heart
- Offer your heart
- Give your heart away
The Origin of Sasageyo
The word Sasageyo has been derived from the Japanese verb ‘Sasagu’, which is delivered for three main uses.
Sasagu can either mean to ‘lift or hold up’, and can be used when you have to hold something above eye level.
Sasagu is also used when there is a ceremony that involves giving, offering and declaring something sacred or religious.
The third occasion where Sasagu can be used is for devoting, sacrificing or dedicating, and this is what the theme developers of Attack On Titan mean in their second opening prelude.
Another fact that is riveting about the word is that the verb Sasagu is a less renowned term of the Japanese verb Sasageru, giving the phrase an archaic feel, suggesting offering or worshiping and devoting to different gods.
The ‘yo’ is added to the verb to assert an exclamation and emphasize the word by the speaker. The imperative verb Sasageyo is formed with the consideration of the “u” verb in Japanese, or the godan verb.
The godan verb in the Japanese language includes all the verbs that do not end with “-iru” or “-eru” as well as some verbs that may end with the preceding letters but are not suru or kuru. Hence, the ‘u’ in Sasagu is replaced with an ‘e’ and makes it Sasage.
Furthermore, adding the ‘yo’ emphasizes the word and makes it Sasageyo, making it an authoritative phrase all in all.
About The Theme Song Shinzou Wo Sasageyo on Attack on Titan
The song was composed by Linked Horizon in Japanese in 2017, the year when the second season of Attack On Titan aired.
In fact, even the first opening theme of Attack On Titan, ‘Guren no Yumiya’, is considered to be the most iconic opening of the show and one of the most iconic theme openings of any anime ever produced, was composed by Linked Horizon.
Guren no Yumiya means the bow and arrow of Crimson. Shinzou Wo Sasageyo, translated in English is ‘offer your heart’ and in the show is used to call out the scouts and volunteers to battle the Titans.
There is a sense of battle in the song as well, where you will be able to feel Eren, Mikasa and Armin, the central protagonists hassle for their lives.
Lyrics of Shinzou Wo Sasageyo Song Explained in English
I wanted to believe that there would be no more hell
But the worst day of mankind is always sudden
The sound of knocking on the door is constantly terrible and rude
The uninvited light of disaster is like a nightmare
Those who betray the passing days, they are the enemies to be driven out
What kind of face did you look at us that day?
What should I throw away to surpass the devil?
Even the life and the soul are never regrettable
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
All sacrifices are now for this moment
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
Open up the future with your own hands!
Those who hunt down the passing days, they are enemies to hate
What kind of voice did you use to deceive us that day?
What you learn to kill the devil
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
All efforts are now for this moment
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
Grab the victory you should sing with your hands!
An unknown thing makes a face similar to a human
I’ll get rid of all of them from this world
Who was the first to say? I don’t remember that
I have unforgettable anger I’ll definitely get rid of it
What kind of scenery is connected to the road you regret choosing?
Victory of the precious equinoctial week that blooms only on the devoted life
The promised land is the end of paradise
That day humanity remembered
The horror that was dominated by them
The humiliation that was trapped in the bird cage
Bow and arrow can fly at twilight Carrying wings
That miracle becomes the path to freedom
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
All the hardships are now for this moment
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
Turn your ephemeral life into a burning bow and arrow
Dedicate! Dedicate! Dedicate your heart!
Draw a miracle to happen with yourself!
The purpose of the song Shinzou Wo Sasageyo in Attack on Titan
A person who overlooks the language and even a speaker who does not pay attention to the depth of the song would fail to realize key themes about the show, as this song speaks of the show.
Attack On Titan is a series that revolves around the concept of humans that have been protected from the man-eating giants surrounding them through massive walls but gradually their safety is threatened by these demons in a place called Titan. The humans must defeat the giants in order to retain a society with order and peace.
The song reflects the pain and sacrifice, the agony and apprehension of these humans to finally come to a point where they can defeat these man-eating monsters, with all their might, dedicating all they have, dedicating their hearts.
Around the main body, the song also reminds the warriors of the sufferings and afflictions that have caused them to reach here and motivates them to keep pushing the boundaries and move forward as challenges are encountered.
The song convinces them to fight and defeat the adversaries till the point they finally get what they want- liberty and utopia.
There have also been interpretations that the phrase is signifying the warriors to ‘steel their heart’, that is, to toughen their hearts up for obstacles and fight with bravado.
In short, the entire theme song can be summed up as an inspiration to not give up and fight despite the challenges that hit you.
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