This.

That's not really an option for someone who doesn't understand Japanese. :p

I wish this was facebook so that I could like what you just said about a thousand times.

The problem is that "Sempai" is a Japanese word. The point of a translation is to replace the original language with the audience's native one. Leaving words in the original language is not translating. In your own words, "Sempai" never is a translation, either.

Basically this whole argument boils down to what you prefer: a translation that tries to literally translate everything word for word or a translation that tries to convey the exact meaning in the other language's phrasing. Neither one is technically wrong, but if given a choice I (and the professional translation industry as a whole) prefer the latter.

The point of translation is to convey true meanings within the medium of another language. While a transliteration is not a translation, it has a very similar goal and together, translations and transliterations actually enable the understanding of cultural aspects, such as the use of the word "sempai".

The professional translation industry actually prefers the freedom to use transliterations. This is why/ you see "-san" and all sorts of other things out there. To completely remove a word's roots is to completely define it. To completely define it is not always a translation because words can carry multiple meanings which are defined within their contexts. To define it one way means that you cannot define it any other way, but there can be subtle nuances that are missed just because a person sticks to the first context and definition.

To use false substitutions is just wrong. A false translation is not a translation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2y8Sx4B2Sk

From wiki:
It is by definition a translation and refers more to text than spoken word. Sorry, but your arguement is invalid. Have a nice day :)

Personally I'd prefer "sir" for sempai, but I'd still take just plain old "Masato" if it meant it didn't introduce a whole load of honourifics into the script.

On that note, I'm indifferent to OT's use of "Brotou" in OOO, but though using "Ankh sweetie" was perfect.

By the very definition of translation, leaving in words like "Senpai, aniki, aibou, hikkikomori, -chan, -san, -dono, kouhai" etc isn't a translation either.

Having started watching Kamen Rider X with HK subs, it has really struck me that this is a pretty silly argument. We should all just be happy that we have fansubs out there nowadays that allow us to watch these shows and that don't look like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...01213504PM.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...01213616PM.png

Still makes more sense than Google Translate. :p

It is silly, but debates between the best of the best at something will always arise within a fandom. It happens. Best to just have fun with it or try to ignore it.