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 one of Shonen Jump’s best series to star a teacher, Assassination Classroom. To celebrate creator Yusei Matsui’s appearance at New York Comic Con, we’ve placed Assassination Classroom in the free section of the Shonen Jump website. Now’s your chance to find out what makes this series so special!

ANSATSU KYOSHITSU (暗殺教室)

ANSATSU KYOSHITSU is the Japanese name for the series, and it literally means “assassination classroom.” Sometimes translating series names into English can be really tough. You need to balance an accurate translation while maintaining a cool-sounding title in English. Sometimes you need to get creative, like with Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma. Other times, no work is required at all. Assassination Classroom is the perfect title in both Japanese and English!

KORO SENSEI (殺せんせー)

KORO SENSEI is the name of the octopus-like creature who may be the best teacher you’ve ever met. His students come up with this name for him, and it hides a clever pun. KORO SENSEI sounds a lot like KOROSENAI, which means “can’t be killed.” What better name for an unkillable teaching machine who can move at Mach 20?!

Read chapters of Assassination Classroom for free HERE!