How to Say ‘The remote is a hostage.’ in Japanese
リモコンは人質だよ。
rimokon wa hitojichi da yo
[ree-moh-KOHN wah hee-toh-JEE-chee da yo]
💬 Usage Tip: は marking the topic is said (wa), not (ha). The よ at the end adds a "just so you know" punch.
Phrase Breakdown
リモコンは
rimokon wa
The remote (as for the remote)
リモコン (rimokon) means remote control. The topic particle は is pronounced 'wa' here, not 'ha.'
リモコンは机の上だよ。
The remote is on the desk.
Words in this phrase
リモコン
rimokon
[ree-moh-KOHN]
remote control
Shortened loanword for a remote control, usually the TV's.
リモコンを取って。
Grab the remote.
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker; as for
Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'
本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for giving me your time today.
人質だよ。
hitojichi da yo
is a hostage.
人質 (hitojichi) means 'hostage.' Here it's used playfully. だよ (da yo) is a casual 'it is!' with emphasis.
このお菓子は人質だよ。
This snack is a hostage.
Words in this phrase
人質
hitojichi
[hee-toh-JEE-chee]
hostage
Something held to force demands; used playfully here.
猫が人質になった。
The cat became a hostage.
だ
da
[da]
be (informal)
Informal form of 'to be' used in casual speech.
今日はいい天気だ。
Today is good weather.
よ
yo
[yo]
you know; emphasis
A sentence-ending particle that adds emphasis or gives new information.
これはおいしいよ。
This is delicious, you know.
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