should you watch anime in english or japanese

by Dariana Heller 6 min read
image

It’s all a matter of authenticity vs ease of watching. If you find subtitles distract you from the visuals and stories of anime, sticking with the English dub is a good choice. If you’d rather watch in Japanese (with English subtitles) as you prefer to watch anime in its original language, meanwhile, that choice is fine, too.

If you understand Japanese, of course it would make the most sense to watch anime in its original language, however, most people outside of Japan do not know Japanese, and therefore require it to be translated into their own language to be able to enjoy it.Mar 25, 2022

Full Answer

Should you watch anime in Japanese with English subtitles?

On the other hand, arguments that watching anime in Japanese with English subtitles preserves the intended message of the show and honors the hard work that Japanese voice actors put into their craft. So, who is right and who is wrong?

Is it better to watch anime dubbed or original?

One type of anime isn’t inherently better than the other. If you are someone who prefers to see an anime series in its original form and are worried about changes being made to the script or censorship, you will likely generally prefer to watch subbed versions of anime.

Do you prefer the original Japanese version of an anime?

Still, many purists prefer the original Japanese versions of anime series because they don’t want to miss out on these original Japanese cultural references. Many anime fans also claim that the voice acting is almost always better in the original Japanese version.

Should I watch magical girl in English or Japanese?

This classic definitely should be seen in Japanese if possible. Firstly, constantly hearing the word "magical girl" thrown at you in English feels uncanny. Certain scenes are hard to take seriously anymore, for example, Sayaka is having a mental breakdown on a train in episode 8 with two guys whose voices are trying way too hard to sound "gangsta."

image

Is anime better in Japanese or English?

They feel that having to read the subtitles distracts them from the action, so they prefer watching a less-distracting version of the anime show in their native language. Another good reason why dubbing is the preferred way to watch anime is that some have access to the dubbed version of an anime show first.

Is Sub or dub more accurate?

More videos on YouTube The final positive for subtitles is that they're usually more accurate to the original script. That's because dubs tend to alter the script to try to have the audio match the mouth movements. With subtitles, you're enjoying a mostly unfiltered experience.

Is it disrespectful to watch anime dubbed?

But what makes a dub bad? The main reason why most people hate dubbed anime is because the voice actors are trash. When watching anime subbed most voices sound as if that character would sound like that. The voices fit, but in dubs that's not the case.

Is dubbed bad?

The primary complaint about dubbing, regardless of the language being dubbed, is that voice actors can often be wildly over-the-top, which can be grating to experience, especially if you're not used to it. Dubbing, the argument goes, can distract many people from the cinematic experience far more than subtitling.

What anime has the best dub?

10 Best Dubs in Anime History, Ranked8 Ghost Stories (ADV Dub)7 Samurai Pizza Cats.6 Dragon Ball Z (Funimation)5 Yu Yu Hakusho.4 Baccano.3 Cowboy Bebop.2 Hellsing Ultimate.1 Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.More items...•

Is Naruto Sub or dub better?

This nostalgia factor played a bit of a part in our decision to say that the dub of Naruto is better than the sub, but there are a few other things that factored in.

Why are Japanese voices so big?

Due to the lack of Japan-made movies and dramas, TV networks were forced to air foreign shows, and that raised demand for voice actors. The boom in the anime world market, which produced a wave of young talents who wanted to become voice actors rather than actors.

What does dub stand for in anime?

dubbingAnime fans know there are two ways to watch any show: dubs or through subs. "Subs" is shot for subtitles, which pretty much everyone is familiar with, but what about "dubs"? The word, short for "dubbing" refers to the process of recording a new vocal track in a different language and replacing the original.

Why do people watch anime in dubbed?

A part of them prefers to watch their show dubbed, in their native tongue, because subtitles divert their attention to the bottom of the screens, and that makes them miss the action.

What does subtitling mean in anime?

Subbing (Subtitling) means that the original language of the show is preserved and a written translation is placed at the bottom of the screen. This way, the audience can read and understand what the characters are saying while all the action occurs.

Why do anime fans subbing?

To begin with, subtitling allows accurate translations to happen and this includes mannerisms and peculiarities of a character that may add to the story’s plot. A clear example of this is Naruto’s catchphrase “Dattebayo”.

Why are subtitles important?

The added benefit of subtitles is that they don’t detract from the original emotional tone or emphasis that the actor (or voice actor) used during the original take. This is imperative for visual media as the sound, level and tone of persons voice does a lot to indicate their emotions at the time of delivery.

Why does Naruto use the word "naruto" at the end of a sentence?

Naruto uses this word at the end of a sentence because the creators added this to his unique style of speech.

What are the Japanese honorifics?

To refer to them, the Japanese use honorifics such as -sama, -san, -chan, and -kun.

What is Naruto's catchphrase?

A clear example of this is Naruto’s catchphrase “Dattebayo”. In the English dubbed version, it is translated as “believe it,” however, it doesn’t necessarily translate like that. Even in Japanese “Dattebayo” doesn’t have an exact meaning, it could be translated as “well” or “ya know.”. Naruto uses this word at the end of a sentence because ...

Why do people watch anime dubbed?

Dubbed anime allows a wider audience to enjoy an anime series without being required to read subtitles. Some anime fans always prefer to watch anime subbed, while others prefer dubbed anime when it is available. Both sides have different reasons behind their preferences, and this debate often turns into a heated argument amongst anime fans.

Why do anime fans prefer subtitles?

Anime fans who exclusively watch the subtitled versions of anime, even when a dub is available, are often referred to as “purists.” Purists are usually diehard anime fans, or “otaku.” One of the main reasons that purists give for preferring subs is that subtitles allow them to experience the anime the way the creators meant for it to be seen. These fans view anime as an artform, and do not believe that it should be altered in any way. Some anime is censored or otherwise changed for the English release.

What is the Difference Between Subbed and Dubbed Anime?

In terms of anime, a “sub” is an anime series that is shown with it’s original Japanese voice acting with subtitles along the bottom of the screen in another language (usually English for viewers in the United States). Subbed anime is often preferred by purists who feel that an anime series should not be changed in any way from the original version.

Why do some anime have subbed versions?

Some anime fans also prefer subbed anime simply because there are more series available subbed than dubbed. Many anime series are never dubbed into English. Even those that are may take a long time for the English dub to be released. Many fans are simply too impatient to wait for the dubbed version. Otaku.

How do anime fans get into the anime fandom?

Anime fans often first got into the fandom through watching English dubs of shows like Dragonball Z, Sailor Moon, Pokémon, or Naruto on television. Some of these fans eventually switch to preferring subbed versions of their favorite anime series, while others retain a soft spot for the versions that they grew up with.

What is a dub anime?

A “dub,” on the other hand, is an anime series that has been released with a new re-scripted voice track that has been translated to English, or another language depending upon the country where it has been licensed and re-recorded by new voice actors.

What is an otaku?

Otaku is a Japanese term for a person who has obsessive interests, usually relating to the anime and manga fandom. Dubbed anime is often easier for American audiences to comprehend.

Can you watch anime in dubbed?

Dubbed anime can be watched normally like any other cartoon without having to worry about reading off the screen.

Is all anime dubbed?

Not all anime are dubbed, but most anime is available subbed.

Can Japanese audio be bypassed?

The Japanese audio could be bypassed if the story setting does not call for many Japanese references.

Is Ghost Stories better than subtitled?

It is not only great on its own, but it has proven itself better than the subtitled version for several reasons. The Japanese version is a little dry, but the English voice actors made it way more fun. It was not like Ghost Stories, though, as they did stick to the characters' personalities and source material.

Is Kenshin voiced by a woman?

Some fans still prefer the dub though because they are uncomfortable with Kenshin being voice acted by a woman, but that is actually very common with men in anime.

Can you watch anime with English subtitles?

Watching anime with English subtitles versus English dubbing has been a longstanding debate between anime fans. Those who love subtitles argue that since it was made in Japan, that it is meant to be in Japanese. Also, a lot can get lost in subtitle translation. However, those who love dub versions love them because that is what they are used to.

Is the dub good or bad?

The truth is that whether the dub is good or not depends on the show . Here are five anime with fantastic dubs, as well as five that you should watch with subtitles because the dub is really bad.

Is One Piece dub bad?

With how popular One Piece is, hatred for its dub version gets talked about a lot by its fandom. There are actually multiple dubbed versions, but the one that is hated the most is the first version that was made by 4Kids Dub. Certain voices rubbed fans the wrong way such as Sanji's and Robin's. The worst part, though, was the edits and censorship. Guns were replaced by weird objects, Sanji's cigarette was replaced with a lolipop, and Smokers cigars were completely cut out.

Is Ghost Stories a dub?

Dubbed anime cannot be talked about without bringing up Ghost Stories. This anime is very unique, as the dub version plays itself like a total comedy instead of what the original went for. The voice actors for the dub just winged it and said whatever they wanted the characters to say. They got away with this because the show was expected to be a total flop. Due to their rumor and creativity though, the dub version is a cult classic.

Is Rurouni Kenshin a dub?

As anime has gotten more popular, dubs have been getting better, and looking back on this shows' dub is a big wake up call to that fact. A lot of characters either sound bored or completely overact.

Why don't people like dubs?

A lot of people also really don't like dubs because some dubs are reaaaaaalllllyyyyy bad. Like the voices are all off and it takes away from the anime as a whole. There also is a lot of content that isn't dubbed, so watching subbed anime is the only way to watch it. Attack on Titan was like this for a while. There's a dub now. But when an anime has been out for a while without a dub, the subbed version becomes the norm, and the dub is usually met with very wide criticism.

Do Japanese people watch anime?

No, Japanese people watch anime in Japanese. Americans watch anime in Japanese with English subtitles because there are a lot people who think it's more "pure" to consume the content that way. The original intention of the tone and inflection remains, and it feels more "real" to some people.

Is Full Metal Alchemist dub good?

Some dubs are really good, though. Full Metal Alchemist has an amazing dub.

image

Sub vs. Dub: The Great Anime Debate

Image
If you spend any time in the anime fandom, you have likely run into the age-old “sub vs. dub” debate. Anime fans often argue whether anime is best viewed in its original Japanese, with English subtitles, or dubbed over by English-speaking voice actors. Hardcore anime fans, or purists, tend to prefer to watch anime in its origin…
See more on reelrundown.com

What Is The Difference Between Subbed and Dubbed Anime?

  • In terms of anime, a “sub” is an anime series that is shown with its original Japanese voice acting with subtitles along the bottom of the screen in another language (usually English for viewers in the United States). Subbed anime is often preferred by purists who feel that an anime series should not be changed in any way from the original version. A “dub,” on the other hand, is an ani…
See more on reelrundown.com

Purists, and The Case For Subtitled Anime

  • Anime fans who exclusively watch the subtitled versions of anime, even when a dub is available, are often referred to as “purists.” Purists are usually diehard anime fans, or “otaku.” One of the main reasons that purists give for preferring subs is that subtitles allow them to experience the anime the way the creators meant for it to be seen. These fans view anime as an art form and d…
See more on reelrundown.com

Lost in Translation: The Case For Dubbed Anime

  • Fans of dubbed anime also have their own reasons for favoring the dubs. The most common reason given for preferring dubbed anime is that these fans do not like to read subtitles while they watch an anime series. They claim that being required to read subtitles distracts from the story. It can be difficult to fully enjoy the animation and watch what is happening on screen while readin…
See more on reelrundown.com

So, Which Is Better, Dubs Or subs?

  • Ultimately, it is up to the individual fan to decide which they prefer. One type of anime isn’t inherently better than the other. If you are someone who prefers to see an anime series in its original form and are worried about changes being made to the script or censorship, you will likely generally prefer to watch subbed versions of anime. If you just want to watch an entertaining ser…
See more on reelrundown.com

Questions & Answers

  • Question:Why not watch anime without dub or subs? Answer:Do you mean in the original language (Japanese)? If you understand Japanese, of course it would make the most sense to watch anime in its original language, however, most people outside of Japan do not know Japanese, and therefore require it to be translated into their own language to be able to enjoy it. …
See more on reelrundown.com

Comments

  • omegasomeon June 22, 2019: The most annoying casualty of the way subs and dubs are done, and of the debate over them, is that the subtitles and dubs often feature very different scripts. This is annoying for people like me, who have some trouble with spoken language in general, and prefer things written- despite having no hearing problems or known difficulty with language, I al…
See more on reelrundown.com