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 feature terms from one of our hottest series in the magazine right now—The Promised Neverland! This series has been hitting it out of the park both in art and story lately. Who can predict what will happen next?

SAYONARA (さよなら)

This one definitely doesn’t need an explanation. It might be the most famous Japanese word after SUSHI. SAYONARA means “goodbye,” and it was used so beautifully in this chapter. Emma and the other kids are saying SAYONARA to the only home they’ve ever had and are rushing into the great unknown. One thing’s for sure though—they will be back!

GOMENNASAI (ごめんなさい)

Here’s another well-known and super-useful Japanese phrase! GOMENNASAI means “I’m sorry.” The scene from last week’s chapter where Mom apologized to the children was very touching. Mom is not a bad person—she’s just been forced to make some of the most horrible decisions imaginable in order to save herself. This chapter saw her say that she’d had enough and is ready to accept the consequences. Is this the end of Mom?

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