Japanese meaning of ”生きたい”と言えェ!
Reading:
”いきたい”といえぇ！ ("ikitai" to iee!)
English Translation:
Say you want to live!
Scene & Cultural Context
Scene Context:
In Enies Lobby, facing the World Government, Luffy urges Robin to voice her true desire to live, breaking through her resignation to die.
Cultural Context:
This moment reflects the Japanese value of verbalizing one’s will as a declaration of intent and commitment. In dramatic storytelling, such a spoken affirmation can transform the character’s fate.
エニエス・ロビーで世界政府を前に、死を覚悟していたロビンに対し、ルフィが本心で「生きたい」と言うよう促す場面。
この場面は、日本文化における「言霊」の考え方と結びつく。言葉にすることで意志が明確になり、物語の運命が変わるという演出はドラマ性を高める。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• [生きたい] = The -たい form of 生きる (“to live”), expressing desire.
• [と] = Quotation particle marking the content of speech or thought.
• [言えェ] = Imperative form of 言う (“say”), with lengthened vowel for emphasis.
Trap for English Speakers
Might assume it’s only about physical survival, but it also demands emotional acceptance of being saved and continuing to live.
Example
Basic Example
”走りたい”と言えェ!
Say you want to run!
Applied Example
”残業したくない”と言えェ!
Say you don’t want to work overtime!