Anime Know-How: What Are Dubs and Subs?

There are points of contention in the anime world, but few are as hotly debated as that of [...]

By Megan Peters

There are points of contention in the anime world, but few are as hotly debated as that of translations.

International fans are often at the mercy of studios and publishers when it comes to anime, and two camps of fans have emerged over the years when it comes to watching anime: Do you sub or do you dub?

The question may seem innocent enough, but it will quickly get you in trouble with one fan or another. In America, the stance you take about English subbed or dubbed titles can easily start a fan-war. But, for new fans, the controversy isn't a forthcoming one with self-explanatory boundaries.

The debate is blamed on dozens of factors. Some says fans gate-keep others by championing subbed anime the more pure way of watching anime. Others argue dubbing allow fans to take in animation more easily since they aren't asked to read. In the end, it seems personal preference is what leaves fans stuck on one side of the argument or the other.

Difference aside, it can be difficult to glean the pros and cons of each translation. Here at ComicBook, we are giving you a crash-course on the good, the bad, and the controversial when it comes to dubbing or subbing. So, take out a pen and get ready to take some notes; We are heading into some rocky territory.

Check the next two slides as ComicBook.com breaks down the subs and dubs.

Subs

If you aren't familiar with the term, subbing is derived from the word 'subtitle.' When an anime is subbed, it means the series or film has been given subtitles in a viewer's native language. Today, subbing is one of the most common ways anime titles are brought to fans in international markets because of its ease and cheaper cost. However, there are more pros and cons fans should consider before they say the translation tops dubbing.

  • Pros:
    Very accurate translation
    Retains original voice acting
    Prevents mismatched audio-animation layover
    Greater availability
  • Cons:
    Moves quickly
    Dialogue may be trimmed to satisfy line-length
    May not explain jokes/wordplay from original audio
one-piece
(Photo: Toei Animation )
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Dubs

On the other side, there is also dubbing. For an anime to be dubbed, it means the title has been stripped of its original audio and given rerecorded dialogue, music, etc. Dubbed anime matched up animation with translate dialogue that is recorded in a variety of native language for international fans to then enjoy. If you're curious about the translation's pros and cons, you can check them out below:

  • Pros:
    No reading required
    Allows fans to take in more animation
    New dialogue may include translated puns/wordplay
  • Cons:
    More expensive
    Less availability
    Translated dialogue may not be fully accurate as the words must match-up with the anime's lip flaps
one-piece-movie
(Photo: Toei Animation )
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