Japanese meaning of 背中の傷は剣士の恥だ

Reading:
せなかのきずはけんしのはじだ (Senaka no kizu wa kenshi no haji da.)

English Translation:

A wound on the back is a swordsman's shame.

Scene & Cultural Context

Scene Context:


Zoro boldly declares that receiving wounds on one's back symbolizes cowardice, emphasizing honor and bravery.

Cultural Context:


Reflects traditional Japanese warrior ideals, emphasizing honor and bravery, where retreat or cowardice is deeply shameful.


Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「恥 (haji)」= shame, disgrace (strong cultural weight)
•「~の傷 (no kizu)」= wound of~, expressing possession metaphorically or literally

Trap for English Speakers

The cultural weight of "shame" as a moral or ethical concept is stronger in Japanese context.

Example

Basic Example

ゲームで逃げ腰の友達に冗談で、
「背中の傷はゲーマーの恥だ。」

Jokingly to a friend hesitating during a game:
'A wound on the back is a gamer's shame.'