Thought - No Longer Human

The last sentence of this book is a bit different when comparing the English version to the Japanese version.

Japanese (original): “He was a good boy, a god” (神様みたいないい子でした)

English (translated): “He was a good boy, an angel”

This made me realize that depending on the language, the word “god” has different feelings to it (which is why the translator decided to change it).

In this context, when the Japanese version uses the word “god” to describe Oba, it makes him seem like he was a selfless being that is not above others. Giving a little bit of zen vibes.

But if it was used in English, it could've made him look like he is above others, as if hinting god complex. 

While I agree with the decision to not use “god” in the English version for this reason, I would not have used the word “angel” as a replacement.

Calling him an angel in the English version paints a picture that he was innocent and delicate, almost as if he would let people use him as a doormat. But in the Japanese version, by calling him a “god”, it painted a picture that he is a powerful being. Though not above others, powerful. Something bigger than an angel. 

Obviously people's perception of what "god" and "angel" is like will be different depending on the religion & cultural background so not everyone will agree with everything that I said, but that's my point. It's cool how the same exact word can feel so much different depending on the language.