Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will focus on Dragon Ball Super. With the first full trailer for the new Dragon Ball Super movie revealed at SDCC, this series is in the spotlight like never before. The manga has been heating up as well, and it can be read for free on this site!

DENSETSU (でんせつ)

DENSETSU means “legend” or “legendary.” The new Dragon Ball Super movie will focus on Broly, who was previously called the legendary Super Saiyan. But what makes him DENSETSU? Kale may be giving us a preview with her feats in the manga. Her strength is pretty legendary already!

BOUSOU (ぼうそう)

BOUSOU means “acting out of control” or “rampaging.” The problem with the legendary Saiyan, as seen with Broly and Kale, is that they completely lose control of themselves. That can be a problem when it’s a team battle. Kale ends up eliminating her own teammates!

GATTAI (がったい)

GATTAI means “to combine” or “to fuse.” It’s a term commonly used in those Sentai shows when the giant robots combine, but it also works in Dragon Ball. The latest Super chapter featured different types of GATTAI, and the most powerful one was clearly Kale and Caulifla becoming Kefla. Does Gohan stand a chance against this new Saiyan warrior?