Twst Translation - Tumblr Posts
SSR Rollo Flamme - President Uniform Voice Lines
When Summoned: There can never be a world in which villains prosper. It is my duty to bring about a just world.
Summon Line: I am Rollo Flamme from Noble Bell College. Hmph... Much obliged for your hospitality for this short while.
Groooovy!!: Just as the Righteous Judge would, allow me to impart upon you proper virtuous behaviour.
Home: Pardon me.
Home Idle 1: This is the infamous Night Raven College... Honestly, I would have preferred not to step foot here.
Home Idle 2: Beyond this mirror is the Diasomnia dormitory. That is where that detestable man resides... What a monstrous-looking entrance. Absolutely repulsive!
Home Idle 3: This is a rather dignified academy. In particular, I found the Mirror Chamber to be a quiet, charming, and spectacular room.
Home Idle - Login: So, this is where the evildoers dwell. I shall have to see with my own eyes just how wicked these people can be.
Home Idle - Groovy: I hear they call you Prefect. That is a rather reputable position. Do take care to fulfill your duty to your utmost.
Home Tap 1: It was brought to my attention that Azul-kun manages a small eatery on campus. I do so enjoy cafés. I suppose I could stop by just once.
Home Tap 2: Whilst classes were in session, I could swear I heard a voice coming from an electronic tablet. I realized it was Idia-kun. Does not that laziness seem beyond reproach?
Home Tap 3: Mheh, as expected of a prestigious academy, the quality of these lessons are superb. I find Mozus-sensei's lectures to be especially enlightening.
Home Tap 4: The collection of books here in the library is genuinely substantial. Perhaps I could borrow and take some back with... No, if I were to do that, I would have to come back to return them.
Home Tap 5: ...May I help you? Ah, I see. You were acting quite familiar with me, so I thought perhaps you had mistaken me for someone else.
Home Tap - Groovy: Noble Bell College does not adhere to the concept of separating students into dormitories. But for there to be a Ramshackle dormitory... What a mighty pitiful name.
Duo: [ROLLO]: Grim-kun, you should do as I say. [GRIM]: Rollo, don't you be orderin' me around!
Requested by @raven-at-the-writing-desk.
Linguistics, especially as it relates to translations, are Fascinating
My friends are the coolest 😎
I need my 日本語を話せられない TWST friends (non-Japanese speaking) to know that my buddy who is an L2 Japanese language teacher (with an MA in East Asian Studies) and I (who is an L2 Japanese learner with an MA in Sociolinguistics) have been dying over this colloquial grammatical construction that we keep seeing in the voice lines of History/Flight and Alchemy lessons: 朝から (asa kara)
Neither of us can figure out how to properly translate this construction, and every time TWST adds a new line with it, or we come across a line we hadn't see before, we immediately message one another in our confusion and have a conniption over it. We had questioned whether or not it was an example of "anime dialect", but after finding plenty of examples of it being used on Japanese twitter, we realized that it is definitely a colloquialism that's used in everyday speech.
For discussion purposes, keep in mind 朝 (asa) means "morning" and から (kara) is the particle causing the translation issues.
The thing you have to understand is that in Japanese classrooms and in Japanese grammar books - including Japanese grammar books FOR native speakers the particle construction ____から (kara)____まで(made) functions like "from ___ until ____" in English.
Except that's not how its being used in TWST. The まで portion of the particle construction never shows up in any of the examples that I've pulled from TWST.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
Cater (History): 朝からいい感じ (asa kara ii kanji)
いい = "good"
感じ = "feeling" (like a vibe or emotion)
Official Localization: "Off to a good start today!"
Cater (History): 朝から頑張らね (asa kara ganbara ne)
頑張らね ≈ "let's do well"
Official Localization: "Early bird gets the worm, I guess."*
*Footnote: While the translation here isn't literal, this line makes me openly question if 朝から is actually a set up for an idiomatic phrase in Japanese but I will discuss more later...
Jade (History): 朝から元気でそね (asa kara genki desu ne)
元気 = "in good health" or "well"
です= formal, present tense of the closest equivalent of "to be"
ね = equivalent tag is "right?" or "yeah?"
Official Localization: "You have a lot of energy in the morning."**
**Footnote: This localization is just painfully off from the intended meaning? But we're keeping it here to prove a point.
Malleus (History): 朝から退屈だ
退屈 = Tedium or boredom
だ = informal past tense of です
Official Localization: "It's early, and I'm already bored."
(A fun side note: This exact quote was found verbatim on Japanese twitter when we were searching for language samples.)
Sebek (Alchemy): 朝から再ないこだな
再ない ≈ not again
再ないこだな ≈ its the same again /its repeating (with a declarative verb conjugation, implying that the audience already understands and agrees)***
***Footnote: I kind of get the sense that he's basically saying "It's another morning and it's the same shit again", but not literally. Because he is clearly using a negative declaration here and the implication of the repetition "from the morning, its the same again" kind of gives me the reading similar to "Not this shit again".
Official Localization: "Someone awoke in a foul mood."
Additional translator's note: Because the subject is repeatedly dropped from each example here, and the only ones that indicate any inclusion of an outside party are Cater's second example and Jade's example because of the inclusion of the pragmatic tag, I am operating under the assumption that each student is likely speaking about themselves. This creates a bit of conflict in my understanding when compared to the localizations, because the localizers keep making a referential to an outside party ("someone").
You can tell from the official localizations that they are localized in such a way that its seamless for English speakers, but the translations often aren't or can't be literal. The localizers also repeatedly use idiomatic phrases in their translations where contrastingly, the predicate of the sentence (after the time placement) don't necessarily use phrases that I recognize as being used in idiomatic contexts. This creates an issue since we can't use them as a reference for being able to figure out what から does/how it functions in the sentence as a grammatical element that also changes the meaning of the sentence. The closest thing we've been able to guess about the use of から in these lines is that it might mean "From" or "Because of", which we pulled from one of the Grammar Books that she uses to help teach. The chart can be seen here:
But if that's the case, Cater's second line doesn't exactly make sense? Nor does Sebek's line? And for that reason, I have to wonder whether or not 朝から is used as a formulaic set up and if that set up is idiomatic in nature.
Both of us for literal months have been scrounging the internet in hopes that we can find any sort of clue as to how to understand this construction and/or to identify whether or not its specifically a colloquial usage to signify an idiomatic phrase is being used. One of the big flaws though is we haven't exactly been able to find any evidence on sites like Word Reference forums of the use of から in any potentially idiomatic way, and the localizations suggest that it could either be idiomatic or literal. We also haven't found any other site that uses or references から without まで.
At this point, it's entirely possible I'm overthinking it? But I'm genuinely confused and want to better understand it so I can improve my overall Japanese comprehension.
I honestly just wanted to share this because it's been both a fun and also frustrating learning journey, and also because I'm hoping maybe there's another person out here who 日本語と英語を話せまそ that might also recognize or know this construction and helps us understand it better. ^^;
SSR Lilia Vanrouge General's Armor Voice Lines
General Lilia does not have a vignette
When Summoned: I am General Lilia Vanrouge of the Land of Briar. Whosoever may feel determined enough, come at me!
Summon Line: The Land of Briar is a place under the dominion of us creatures of the night. If you don't want to find yourself in a sticky situation, you better lay low, human.
Groooovy!!: Call me anything you wish. That is, anything other than "old man."
Home: Time to go to work.
Home Idle 1: I was an orphan and Malleficia-sama took me in under her care. She's so nice? Not one bit! If she snaps, she'll strike you down with her lightening.
Home Idle 2: I will protect the Land of Briar. That is my sworn duty. That was Levaan's... my late dearest friend's request of me.
Home Idle 3: Silver and Sebek's movements are strangely familiar. Who could possibly have been their instructor?
Home Idle - Login: I can't say I'm that interested in having the title of General, but... I would not be able to stand to work for someone weaker than myself. As I've taken on this role, I'll fulfill the duty that comes with it.
Home Idle - Groovy: It would be nice if the next successor to the throne would be more mild mannered... But no, that would be too much to ask of one of the Draconia bloodline.
Home Tap 1: Who'd ever go to Night Raven College? What could these barely born chicks even hope to teach me?
Home Tap 2: I can't stand these Silver Owl folk. They lay waste to the forest, pollute the water, and just do as they please... We'll cast them out.
Home Tap 3: Baul of the Royal Guard is a staunch fellow from Sunset Savanna. I'd say his loud volume, stubbornness, and constant nagging are some of his faults, however.
Home Tap 4: What, you think my mask is frightening? That's how most humans seem to react to it. I thought it was quite stylish, too.
Home Tap 5: If you need something of me, speak quickly. ...I look like someone you know? So what? Don't stop and call out to me for something that trivial.
Home Tap - Groovy: Mallenoa-sama was quite the spitfire back in her younger days. I wouldn't be able to count how many times I'd have to accompany her as she snuck out of the castle to romp around in the forest.
Duo: [LILIA]: Sebek, whatever you do, don't get in my way. [SEBEK]: I'll cover you, Lilia-sama!
Requested by Anonymous.
Divus Crewel Voice Lines ーFrom the 6th Unified Examsー
Requested by an Anon on the Other Side.
About His Campus Affairs
Occasionally on my days off, I visit some vintage shops. Of course, current trends are just as good, yet sometimes those older clothes that have lasted generations and survived many a closet have a certain aura about them.
How is it that I am capable of designing clothes? I started in order to cultivate inspiration, and before I knew it, it had just become a hobby. I did work as an apparel maker for some time.
I'm still in contact with two of my minions... I mean, juniors I befriended while I attended school. I hesitate to call them clever by any means, however they're fellows I can simply be myself around. You, too, should cherish the friends you make here.
Back when I was a student, there was an instance that I unwittingly overturned a pot of mandrakes. Catastrophically, their screams shattered every pane of glass in the alchemy workshop... Of course, now I would be able to easily fix such an occurrence with restoration magic.
Although it is all well and good to devote your efforts to studying, if you only ever keep your head down, you'll become an obstinate adult. Go wild once in a while. That is, only to the extent where we as your professors will not have to scold you.
On His Outfit/Appearance
I have a nice aroma? Heh... This scent you have taken a liking to is a one-of-a-kind perfume I concocted myself. You've developed quite the sense of smell, puppy.
About His Everyday Life
No matter how tastefully you dress yourself, if your posture or how you walk is slovenly, it is all for naught. That is why I constantly focus on improving myself by running or swimming on a daily basis.
About Grim
Good boy! You're a very good puppy today, studying on your own. For the sake of your impressive focus, I'll help you with what you're having trouble with. After all, I'm a kind owner that not only doles out punishments, but praise as well.
About School Staff
Sam is fully aware of how he presents himself. You've seen how he always wears unique outfits with a splendid sense of style, yes? Though his tastes my differ from mine, I do enjoy his appearance.
The other day, I ordered my favorite game meat for lunch in the cafeteria. I had been saving it to eat last, when the Headmage said in passing, "If you dislike it, I shall eat it for you." ...At times, that man's thought process is just off.
The Night Ravens - 「Piece of my World」
The very first official soundtrack for Twisted Wonderland just released today, and one of the tracks included was the long-awaited full version of the opening theme, "Piece of my World". I took a crack at translating it, which you can view after the cut!
聞こえるだろう 扉の向こう キミを待ってる 行こうぜ Wonderland!
You hear it, don't you? What's there beyond the door is waiting for you Let's go to Wonderland!
ドキドキいつも欲しいんだ [さあ 合図して]
I'm always on the hunt for an adrenaline rush [Now give me the signal]
瞬きなんてしちゃダメさ [魔法は始まるよ]
Don't even blink [The magic's just beginning]
AH AH
誰もがそうさ 負けられない [月が煽る]
I know people say it all the time, but I'm not going to lose [The moon's urging us on]
尖る靴音鳴らしていこう ほら 夜が明ける前に
Let the sharp clang of your footsteps resound Come on, before day breaks
手探りだね 僕のカタチ 貫く熱は在るのに
I'm fumbling around, still trying to figure out who I am I know I can keep pushing on, and yet-
ねじれた リズムで踊ろう 俯き張る 意地も愛嬌さ かまわないよ ちょっとワルいくらいがいいじゃない? 刺激は僕であるためのピース 闇の中魅せてあげるよ イカした世界を
Let's dance to this twisted rythym The way you hang your head, acting all stubborn, there's a certain charm to it Don't worry. There's nothing wrong with being a little bad, you know? The thrill of it all makes me who I am, it's a piece of me Here within the darkness, I'll captivate the entire world
覗いてみて 扉の向こう キミを待ってる 行こうぜ Wonderland!
Go ahead, take a look What's there beyond the door is waiting for you Let's go to Wonderland!
時計の針が滑り出す 「さあもっと上げて」
The clock inches ever forward [Now turn it up even more]
逸つ靴音 弾ける鼓動 ほら 誰よりも前へ
Your piercing footsteps, this throbbing beat Surpass everyone and everything
描いていた 僕のカタチ 歪さも気に入ってるのに
The concept of myself I've come up with I adore how distorted it is, and yet-
ねじれた世界で歌おう ざわめく胸の熱はほんとうさ シラけちゃうジョーシキ破り捨てていいんじゃない? スリルは僕らが輝くピース 闇の中 見つけ出せるさ 繋がる答えを
Let's sing together in this twisted world This warmth stirring deep in my chest, I know it's real I'm sick and tired of these societal rules So why don't we just rip them up and throw them all away? The thrills we seek become part of us - look at how they shine It's here within the darkness that we're able to find the answer that connects us all
夜が分かつ時 超えてゆけるだろう [ねじれた世界が導く…]
When the night drives us apart, I'm sure we'll get through it [Guided by this twisted world…]
僕だけの運命が 拒めないように
So that I won't be denied my destiny
溢れだす魔法飲み干し 痛み苛立ちが邪魔をしても かまわないよ 全部 手に入れて見せるさ
I'll drink up this overflowing magic until there isn't a single drop left No amount of pain, no amount of frustration will stop me The world will be mine, just you watch
ねじれたリズムで踊ろう 俯き張る 意地も愛嬌さ かまわないよ ちょっとワルいくらいがいいじゃない? 刺激は僕であるためのピース 闇の中魅せてあげるよ イカした世界を
Let's dance to this twisted rhythm The way you hang your head, acting all stubborn, there's a certain charm to it Don't worry. There's nothing wrong with being a little bad, you know? The thrill of it all makes me who I am, it's a piece of me Here within the darkness, I'll captivate the entire world
覗いてみて扉の向こう キミの中へ繋ぐWonderland!
Go ahead, take a look There beyond the door connecting to your heart lies Wonderland!
A-ha NaNaNa… Yeah-- Come along Wonderland!
TL Notes: This is not a 1-to-1 translation, and I took creative liberties with it :)
And many thanks to my friend Yuurei-san for helping me parse through this!!