Quotes
Japanese meaning of 影分身の術！
— Naruto Uzumaki ／ NARUTO
Voice sample:
かげぶんしんのじゅつ！ (Kage bunshin no jutsu!)
English Translation:
Shadow Clone Jutsu!
Original Scene & Cultural Context
Scene in the Original Work:
In chapter 1 of NARUTO, Naruto is tricked by Mizuki into stealing a secret scroll, and learns the Shadow Clone Jutsu from it. When Mizuki attacks his teacher Iruka, Naruto makes his hand sign, creates a huge number of copies of himself, and beats Mizuki. From then on it is Naruto's signature technique.
日本語で読む
『NARUTO』第1話。ミズキにだまされて封印の書を持ち出したナルトは、そこに書かれた影分身の術を覚える。ミズキがイルカ先生を襲うと、ナルトは印を結んで大量の分身を出し、ミズキを打ち倒す。以後、影分身はナルトの代名詞となる技になる。
Cultural Context:
Unlike simple illusions, shadow clones are real bodies that can fight. Naruto's cross-shaped hand sign is easy to copy, so many fans imitate it. It may also be said, half-jokingly, when you are so busy that you wish you could split yourself into several people.
日本語で読む
ただの幻ではなく、実体を持って戦える分身なのが特徴。十字に指を重ねる印はまねしやすく、ポーズをまねするファンも多い。忙しすぎて自分が何人も欲しいときに、冗談で言うこともある。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
•「影」= shadow. •「分身」= a copy of oneself, a clone. •「〜の術」= the technique of ~ (used for ninja arts).
日本語で読む
•「影」はかげ。•「分身」は自分と同じ姿のもう一人。•「〜の術」は忍術などの技の名前に付く。
Trap for English Speakers
分身 does not mean "part of the body"; it means another self. 術 is read じゅつ, as in 手術 (surgery) and 美術 (art).
日本語で読む
「分身」は体の一部ではなく、もう一人の自分のこと。「術」は「じゅつ」と読み、「手術」「美術」と同じ字。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
忙しすぎて、分身がほしいくらいだ。
I'm so busy I wish I had a clone.
Example 2Applied Example
（宿題と掃除と買い物を頼まれた下忍が）こうなったら……影分身の術！
(A junior ninja asked to do homework, cleaning and shopping) "Then there's only one way... Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「影分身の術！」 mean?