Japanese meaning of 人は “心”だろうが!!!!

Reading:
ひとは "こころ"だろうが!!!! (hito wa "kokoro" darō ga!!!!)

English Translation:

It's the heart that counts in a person!!!!

Scene & Cultural Context

Scene Context:


During the Alabasta arc, Sanji kicks away Mr. 2 Bon Clay without hesitation, even though Bon Clay has transformed his face into that of Sanji’s crewmate Usopp. Sanji declares that what defines a person is their heart, not their appearance. Moments later, however, when Bon Clay changes into Nami’s face, Sanji freezes, revealing his inability to hit a woman.

Cultural Context:


In Japanese culture, “kokoro” (heart) symbolizes sincerity, empathy, and moral character. This line emphasizes valuing inner qualities over external appearances, resonating with the cultural ideal that a person’s worth lies in their intentions and spirit, not their looks.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• [人は] = Topic marker indicating “as for people.”
• ["心"] = “heart” as metaphor for inner character/spirit.
• [だろうが] = Strong, emotionally charged sentence ending expressing conviction.

Trap for English Speakers

May be misinterpreted as referring to romantic feelings, but here “heart” means moral character or human spirit.

Example

Basic Example

(友人が他人の外見ばかりを評価しているときに)
「そんなの関係ねぇよ、人は“心”だろうが!!!」

(When a friend is judging people only by their appearance)
"It’s the heart that counts in a person!!!!"


Applied Example

ラーメンは "スープ" だろうが!!!!

(When a friend is judging ramen only by its toppings)
"It’s the soup that counts in ramen!!!!"