Learn Japanese from Bakemonogatari: What Does “V-i (or e) ” Mean? – Gachapin & Mukku Cover (N3)

Gachapin (a dinosaur child) and Mukku (a yeti child), the famous characters from Fuji TV, perform and passionately sing the ending theme song of the anime “Bakemonogatari” by supercell.

1. ガチャピン: いつもどおりのある日の事

• Compound Noun & Modifying Particle: “いつもどおり (itsumo dōri)” is a compound noun meaning “as usual” or “ordinary state.” In terms of connection, it is connected to the noun “ある日 (aru hi – a certain day)” by the noun-modifying particle “の (no)”, creating the meaning “a day like any other.”
• Noun Context: “の事 (no koto)” uses the particle “の (no)” to connect the preceding noun phrase to the noun “事 (koto – matter/incident)”, framing the whole phrase as a specific occurrence or memory.

2. ガチャピン: 君は突然立ち上がり言った

• Pronoun & Topic Particle: “君 (kimi)” is a personal pronoun meaning “you,” marked by the topic particle “は (wa)” to establish “you” as the main subject of the sentence.
• Adverb: “突然 (totsuzen)” is an adverb meaning “suddenly” or “unexpectedly,” which modifies the subsequent verbs to show the sudden change in state.
• Grammar Pattern & Verb stem: This sentence showcases the grammar pattern “立ち上がり言った (tachiagari itta)”, which utilizes the continuous stem (Masu-stem) of the verb “立ち上がる (tachiagaru – to stand up)” to connect it directly to the past-tense verb “言った (itta – said).”
• Written-style Conjunction: In terms of connection, using the Masu-stem “立ち上がり (tachiagari)” to link verbs functions as a literary or written-style conjunction, showing that the actions occur in immediate, closely-linked succession without pausing.

3. ガチャピン: 「今夜星を見に行こう」

• Temporal Noun: “今夜 (konya)” is a temporal noun meaning “tonight,” acting as an adverbial time marker without particles.
• Direct Object Particle: “星を (hoshi wo)” marks the noun “星 (hoshi – star)” with the direct object particle “を (wo)” to show what is being observed.
• Purpose Pattern & Volitional Form: “見に行こう (mi ni yukō)” showcases the purpose pattern “Verb Stem + に行く (ni iku / ni yuku – go to do something)”. Here, the Masu-stem of “見る (miru – to see)” connects to the particle “に (ni)” followed by the volitional form “行こう (yukō – let’s go)” of the verb “行く (yuku)”.
• Pronunciation Note (iku vs. yuku): Although the kanji “行く” is usually read as “iku” in modern daily Japanese, in this song, it is pronounced as “yuku” (and thus “yukō” instead of “ikō”). Reading “行く” as “yuku” sounds softer, more poetic, and carries a classic, emotional nuance that is highly preferred in Japanese songs, lyrics, and literature. Additionally, “yu” is often easier to sing smoothly than the sharp “i” sound.
• Volitional Modality: The volitional form “行こう (yukō)” represents the speaker’s invitation or friendly suggestion, carrying a warm and casual modality of proposing a shared plan.

4. テロップ: 君の知らない物語

• Relative Clause: “君の知らない (kimi no shiranai)” is a relative clause modifying the noun “物語 (monogatari – story)”.
• Subject Particle Substitution: In terms of connection, the subject particle “が (ga)” is replaced by the particle “の (no)” within this noun-modifying clause, marking “君 (kimi)” as the subject who “does not know” (知らない – shiranai). This grammatical substitution is very common in Japanese relative clauses.
• Title Context: In this specific trailer context, this final phrase also serves as the official title of the famous theme song “君の知らない物語 (The Story You Don’t Know)” by supercell.

Fill in the blanks ( ) to complete the natural conversation.

A: 世界はこれからどうなると思いますか。
B: この世界はこれからよく（ ）、みんなで仲良く暮らせると思います。

1: なる

2: なり

3: なったら