What Does Mario Actually Say in Japanese?
The iconic video game character Mario has been a beloved figure around the world for decades. Created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario has become synonymous with the phrase "It’s-a me, Mario!" – or so we thought. But what does Mario actually say in Japanese?
The Origins of Mario’s Catchphrase
Mario’s catchphrase, "It’s-a me, Mario!", was actually coined by Charles Martinet, the American voice actor who has been voicing Mario since the early 1990s. The phrase was born out of a 1995 video game trade show, where Martinet was tasked with coming up with a catchphrase for Mario’s character. The result was a memorable and iconic phrase that has been echoed by Mario fans around the world.
Mario’s Japanese Name
Mario’s Japanese name is Marī-chan, which is a phonetic adaptation of his English name. However, his full Japanese name is Marīō Purinsesu (), which translates to "Prince Mario".
What Does Mario Say in Japanese?
So, what does Mario actually say in Japanese? The answer may surprise you. According to Charles Martinet, Mario’s Japanese voice actor is Yūko Miyamura (), who has been voicing Mario in Japan since the early 1990s. Martinet has confirmed that Mario’s Japanese dialogue is not actually "It’s-a me, Mario!" but rather "Sumasshu, Mario!" ().
Breakdown of Mario’s Japanese Dialogue
Here’s a breakdown of Mario’s Japanese dialogue:
- "Sumasshu, Mario!" () – This is Mario’s primary catchphrase in Japan, which roughly translates to "It’s-a me, Mario!" in English.
- "Ohayō, Mario!" () – This phrase means "Good morning, Mario!" in English.
- "Konbanwa, Mario!" () – This phrase means "Good evening, Mario!" in English.
- "Yūjō, Mario!" () – This phrase means "Friendship, Mario!" in English.
Subtle Differences in Mario’s Japanese Voice Acting
While Mario’s Japanese dialogue is not as widely recognized as his English catchphrase, there are some subtle differences in the way he is voiced in Japan. According to Charles Martinet, Mario’s Japanese voice actor, Yūko Miyamura, has a slightly more high-pitched and softer tone than Martinet’s iconic Mario voice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario’s Japanese name is Marī-chan, and his Japanese dialogue is not actually "It’s-a me, Mario!" but rather "Sumasshu, Mario!". There are some subtle differences in Mario’s Japanese voice acting, but his iconic character has become a beloved figure around the world regardless of language or cultural barriers.
Appendix
- Mario’s Japanese Voice Actors:
- Yūko Miyamura ()
- Charles Martinet (English voice actor)
- Mario’s Japanese Catchphrases:
- "Sumasshu, Mario!" ()
- "Ohayō, Mario!" ()
- "Konbanwa, Mario!" ()
- "Yūjō, Mario!" ()
- Mario’s English Catchphrases:
- "It’s-a me, Mario!"