Japanese meaning of 黙れ小僧

Reading:
だまれこぞう (Damare kozou)

English Translation:

Silence, boy!

Scene & Cultural Context

Scene Context:


Moro roars this at Ashitaka when he speaks out about nature and gods. Moro asserts dominance in the forest hierarchy, rejecting human interference.

Cultural Context:


This line became iconic for its power and delivery. Fans quote it when mocking overconfidence or when shutting down arguments.


Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「命令形」= strong command form used to assert dominance or urgency
•「黙れ」= imperative of 黙る ("be silent")<br>• Used to silence or overrule with authority

Trap for English Speakers

Kozou' may sound neutral but is derogatory; translating as 'boy' misses the insult.

Example

Basic Example

愚痴が止まらない友人に、冗談めかして言った。「黙れ小僧!」

To a friend who wouldn’t stop ranting, I joked, “Shut up, you brat!”


Applied Example

年下のいとこが生意気なことを言ってきたので、笑いながら言い返した。「黙れ小僧…」

When my younger cousin got cheeky, I laughed and replied, “Silence, boy…”