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Japanese-specific (Neologisms)

Character-defining speech ending tics (gobi 語尾) or catchphrase: 

Gobi

As much as possible, mix it within a word (most preferably, a verb).

“Are you peko-ing serious?!”

Catchphrases

Leave untranslated. Example includes Korone’s “Yubi!”

Nicknames and terms (せんちょう, ファンデッド)

Keep it romanized. If you can make it work, localize or turn it into an English pun.

  • Lamy fans: Yukimin.
  • Marine referring to herself: Senchou (Leave as is)
  • An example of an English pun: Botan fans are called Bo-gang. (ぼ団)

Yagoo, not YAGOO or yagoo.

友人A (A-san) is often called “A-san”, but when called by her actual name, it should be “Yuujin A.”

Net jargon (草、リア充、ショタコン、ロリコン)

Depends on context, but in most cases, try to use a defined english alternative slang term, use it. 

  • 草 (If the person audibly says “kusa”) = lol, lmao (depends on context/use synonyms to avoid too much repetition)
  • ｗｗｗ (laughing in general) = use some creative subbing to hide it somewhere on screen where it is barely visible. Editors can do something if wanted. Do NOT include it inside the translation.
  • リア充 = normie
  • ショタコン = This proof is trivial, and is left as an exercise to the translator. (Usually left as the original)
  • Other terms, case-by-case.

Utterances

Not always required to keep in script. Omitting them is fine, especially when they are distracting in the script or repeated a large number of times.

  • えっ (Eh): Localize to Huh, Hmm, etc…
  • あっ (Ah): “Oh”, “Ah”, or remove and include nuance in translation.
  • あの (Ano-): Sometimes translated as “Excuse me”, sometimes “Uhm/Uhh” (not um)

Try to not repeat a consonant (e.g. uhmmmmmm). Up to 3 repeats preferred.
- Uhmmmmmmm vs Uhm… vs. Uhmmm…

Talent-specific greetings

Leave untranslated (Konaqua, Konpeko, …)

Honorifics and names

  • Depends on tone. If used due to respect/position, localize it. 
  • [NAME] -chan, -kun, -senpai, -paisen: keep it
    • If they only say “senpai” : replace it with name of the person
    • Do not use illeisms (third person speak) - If the character refers to themselves in 3rd person, translate it as “I” in first person 
      • If Pekora was talking about herself: “Pekora is…” vs “I am…”
  • -san: remove
  • -dono, -sensei: localize
  • おじさん (Oji-san): Mister, instead of uncle.
  • おばさん (Oba-san): Ma’am, Miss. 
  • ばばぁ (Senchou): Old hag (as an example)
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