“Ari no mama de…”
We all know “Let It Go”. It was unavoidable in 2013. But have you heard the Japanese version?
Titled “Ari no Mama de” (As I Am), the Japanese lyrics are actually quite different from the English ones.
While the English version focuses on “Letting Go” of control, the Japanese version focuses on “Being Yourself”.
Let’s analyze the difference!
Official Video: Frozen – Let It Go (Japanese)
Pronunciation Guide: Double Vowels
In Japanese, long vowels matter.
- “Yu-ki” (Snow) is short.
- “Yuu-ki” (Courage) is long.
- In the chorus, Elsa sings “Sora”, not “So-o-ra”. Keep it crisp!
Chorus Comparison: English vs Japanese
This is where the magic happens. Look at how the meaning changes.
Line 1: The Hook
| Version | Lyrics | Literal Meaning | Phonetic Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Let it go, let it go | Release it / Stop holding back | – |
| Japanese | ありのままの (Ari no mama no) | As I am (My true self) | Ah-ree no mah-mah no |
- Analysis: Japanese Elsa isn’t just releasing power; she is accepting her natural state.
Line 2: The Resolution
| Version | Lyrics | Literal Meaning | Phonetic Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Can’t hold it back anymore | I cannot suppress it | – |
| Japanese | 姿見せるの (Sugata miseru no) | I will show my true form | Soo-gah-tah me-seh-roo no |
- Analysis: English is about effort (can’t hold). Japanese is about action (showing herself).
Line 3: The Freedom
| Version | Lyrics | Literal Meaning | Phonetic Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Let it go, let it go | Release it | – |
| Japanese | ありのままの (Ari no mama no) | As I am | Ah-ree no mah-mah no |
Line 4: The Door
| Version | Lyrics | Literal Meaning | Phonetic Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Turn away and slam the door | Ignore them and close the door | – |
| Japanese | 自分になるの (Jibun ni naru no) | I will become myself | Jee-boon knee nah-roo no |
Full Chorus: Easy Phonetic Lyrics
Sing along with Takako Matsu (the Japanese voice actress)!
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ari no mama no | Ah-ree no mah-mah no | As I am (My true self) |
| Sugata miseru no | Soo-gah-tah me-seh-roo no | I will show my form |
| Ari no mama no | Ah-ree no mah-mah no | As I am |
| Jibun ni naru no | Jee-boon knee nah-roo no | I will become myself |
| Nanimo kowakunai | Nah-knee-moh koh-wah-koo-nai | I am not afraid of anything |
| Kaze yo fuke | Kah-zeh yoh foo-keh | Blow, wind! |
| Sukoshi mo samukunai wa | Soo-koh-she moh sah-moo-koo-nai wah | I’m not cold at all |
Vocabulary Corner: Disney Japanese
1. Ari no mama (ありのまま)
- Meaning: As it is / The way something naturally is.
- Usage: Used to describe being natural or unadorned. “Ari no mama no jibun” (My true self).
2. Sugata (姿)
- Meaning: Figure / Form / Appearance.
- Context: “Sugata miseru no” (Show my form).
3. Samukunai (寒くない)
- Meaning: Not cold.
- Grammar: Samui (Cold) -> Samukunai (Not cold).
- Famous Line: “The cold never bothered me anyway” became “I’m not cold at little bit”.
Conclusion
Comparing translations is a fun way to learn the nuances of a culture. The Japanese “Let It Go” is much more focused on identity than just freedom.
If you like anime or movie songs, you should definitely check out Blue Bird from Naruto.
Or if you want another emotional ballad, try First Love by Utada Hikaru.