Tteka sa (ってかさ) – Bilingual Lyrics Japanese/English

• By: Nogizaka46
• Album: Same numbers (Type D)

Lyrics & Translation

This track, a rap unit song by Nogizaka46, offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in informal, conversational Japanese expressions, particularly through the frequently repeated title phrase "Tteka sa" (which can be translated as "I mean..." or "But like..."). Its distinct musical style within the group's discography makes it an engaging piece for language learners.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
explain /ɪkˈspleɪn/ B1	verb - to make something clear by describing it in more detail
listen /ˈlɪsn/ A2	verb - to give one's attention to a sound
sad /sæd/ A2	adjective - feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy
hate /heɪt/ B1	verb - to feel intense dislike for
care /keər/ A2	verb - to feel concern or interest
feel /fiːl/ A2	verb - to experience an emotion or sensation
dry /draɪ/ A2	adjective - containing little or no moisture
catch /kætʃ/ A2	verb - to take hold of something in motion
unnecessary /ʌnˈnesəseri/ B2	adjective - not needed
look /lʊk/ A1	verb - to turn one's eyes in a specified direction
mean /miːn/ A2	verb - to intend to express or refer to
change /tʃeɪndʒ/ B1	verb - to make or become different
logical /ˈlɒdʒɪkl/ B2	adjective - relating to or based on logical reasoning
opinion /əˈpɪnjən/ B1	noun - a view or judgment formed about something
conversation /ˌkɒnvərˈseɪʃən/ B1	noun - a talk between two or more people
interrupt /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/ B2	verb - to stop someone while they are speaking
useless /ˈjuːsləs/ B2	adjective - not fulfilling or worth any use

Key Grammar Structures

• I don't really feel that way, seriously, you know

  ➔ Contraction and informal speech

  ➔ The line uses informal phrasing and the implied contraction in 'don't' is common in casual speech.

• Can't just leave it as is, you know

  ➔ Modal verb 'can't' with infinitive and informal omission

  ➔ The phrase 'Can't just leave it as is' implies 'I can't just leave it as is'. The 'I' is omitted, which is common in casual conversation.

• It's annoying to explain, but could you please listen to me for a bit?

  ➔ Gerund as subject and polite request with 'could you please'

  ➔ 'Explaining' (gerund) acts as the subject of the sentence, and 'could you please' is a polite way to ask someone to do something.

• It's my sad nature that I can't help but say it.

  ➔ Noun clause as an appositive and 'can't help but' construction

  ➔ The clause 'that I can't help but say it' explains 'my sad nature'. The idiom 'can't help but' means to be unable to resist doing something.

• My chest suddenly feels dry (dry)

  ➔ Sensory verb with adjective and repetition for emphasis

  ➔ The verb 'feels' is a sensory verb. The repetition of '(dry)' emphasizes the feeling.

• It feels like I'm getting caught up in unnecessary things

  ➔ 'Feel like' followed by a clause and present continuous tense

  ➔ 'Feel like' expresses an impression or a feeling. The present continuous 'am getting caught up' describes an ongoing situation.

• Tteka sa~ that girl kinda looks down on us, doesn't she?

  ➔ Tag question and informal adverb 'kinda'

  ➔ A tag question ('doesn't she?') is used to seek confirmation. 'Kinda' is a colloquial shortening of 'kind of'.

• It's not "on the contrary," nor have I changed the way I say it.

  ➔ Negation with 'nor' and inversion after 'nor'

  ➔ When 'nor' starts a clause following a negative statement, the auxiliary verb (have) inverts with the subject (I).

• This and that are a bit too logical.

  ➔ Idiomatic phrase 'this and that' and adjective usage

  ➔ 'This and that' refers to various things or topics. 'Too logical' indicates an excessive degree of logic.