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 put the spotlight back on one of our regular series. Lost in all the hoopla over the JUMP START series is just how awesome The Promised Neverland has been lately. This series has been strong from the start, but the recent cliff-hangers have been out of this world!

MOU (もう)
YOUYAKU (ようやく)

MOU means “already,” and YOUYAKU means something like “finally.” Basically, one means something happened quickly, while the other indicates something taking time. It was a pretty poignant moment when Mom thought about the last 12 years she’s spent with Ray. Speaking of which, Mom is a very interesting character, and this week’s chapter gave us a further glimpse into her personality. She was so happy that Ray and Emma were still alive but only so she could capture them. I wonder what that device she pulled out at the end of the chapter does…?

NIGERU (にげる)

NIGERU means “to run away,” though it is frequently translated as “to escape” in The Promised Neverland. The kids are so close to being able to NIGERU, and yet the odds still seem so stacked against them. Has there ever been such a normal-looking yet fearsome enemy as Mom?! She’s like the Saitama of villains!

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