Kevin
February 7, 2021
Common Questions

This guide will give you all the knowledge you need on the word látom, including its meaning, example sentences, origin, and more!

What does the word látom mean?

Látom is a phrase from the anime and manga series Fire Force. According to CBR, the animated cartoon show is set in an era in which humans spontaneously combust and are turned into creature called Infernals, who were not able to adapt to the Adolla Burst. Then, the Fire Force must extinguish them. According to Epic Dope, the show establishes a close link between the Fire Force and the church. The Infernals are viewed as people who have basically been taken over by the devilish flames. People pray while purging the infernals, and use the term látom as they do so.

Látom is akin to the word Amen used by Christians, and can be used as any sort of prayer. Fans have theorized that the phrase is used to mean “I see your light” in the show. The Infernals are people in a figurative hell, similar to the ideas of eternal pain commonly seen in the Evangelical Church. It makes sense that the anime would use a word similar to a prayer with this comparison.

Other prayers within the anime also come from traditional Christian prayers, like “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” The word látom ends this prayer similarly to the way Christians end prayers with the word Amen.

CBR states that the term can be used in a plethora of ways seen in the show. First, in a moment of shock, the character Iris uses the word látom when she and others break protocol in front of a lieutenant. Next, Hibana, a captain, uses the word as a warning before punishing her subordinate. Third, a mascot bids characters Shinra and Arthur good luck with a quick látom. In the show, it is also shown to mean best wishes, to show irony, or in its literal meaning to say “I see it,” or “I perceive it.”

Additionally, according to WordSense, látom is a Hungarian word. It is a conjugation of the verb lát, which means to see. In Hungarian, it is the first person singular indicative present definite form of the verb. If someone were to say “Már látom,” that translates to “I can see it now.” It literally means “I see,” or “I understand.”

In Swedish, låtom is the first person form of the verb låta, which means to let or let go, or to be tired. If someone said “låtom oss sjunga,” that translates to “let us sing.”

Where did the word látom originate and how did it become popularized?

Látom originates from the anime and manga series Fire Force. According to Fandom, began as a manga in late 2015, an in Japanese is called Enen no Shouboutai. This manga series, or series of Japanese graphic novels, was written by Atsushi Ōkubo. As of late 2020, the manga has 234 chapters. There are 25 volumes published in Japanese and 21 in English. It was announced at Anime Expo 2016 that Kodansha Comics had licensed out Fire Force to begin publication in North America.

The anime was announced in November 2018 and premiered in July 2019. Funimation has the official rights, and is broadcast on both MBS and Adult Swim in the United States, and is also streaming on Hulu and Crunchyroll. In the anime, the Fire Force battles against spontaneous human combustion under which humans are turned into “Infernals.” Shinra Kusakabe, who can set his feet on fire at will, joins the Special Fire Force Company 8 that works to put out any other Infernals. The show has created many online memes. Popular characters in show include Akitaru Obi, Tamaki Kotatsu, and Maki Oze.

How is the word látom commonly used?

The word látom is most commonly used as the ending to a prayer in the anime and manga series Fire Force. It can be used both sincerely as well as ironically, and sometimes even as a warning. It is a very versatile word in the context of the anime, and can even be said as its literal translation from Hungarian, meaning “I see it,” or “I perceive it.”

Are there any synonyms for the word látom?

Látom is similar to the Christian and English word amen, used at the end of a prayer or to mean “so be it.” Below are a list of synonyms from Thesaurus for the word amen, alongside their definitions from Oxford Languages.

· Certainly – A word meaning without doubt, definitely, or surely.

· Exactly – A word used to reply with confirmation or agreement.

· Truly – A word used to emphasize sincerity or honesty.

· Verily – A word meaning truly or certainly.

· Assuredly – A word used to express certainty or confidence in the truth of a statement.

· Aye – An archaic word used to express agreement.

· Hallelujah – An exclamation praising God.

· Praise be – An archaic expression used to show relief, gratitude, or happiness.

What is the etymology of the word látom?

According to Names.org, the word is of either Japanese, Hungarian, or English origin. In Brazil, it is a name used to mean an abbreviated form of Amen. The same is true of the name in South Africa.

Overall, the word látom is originally a Hungarian word meaning “I see it,” or “I perceive it.” This word has become popularized by the Japanese manga and anime Fire Force, in which the word is used to end prayers and blessings similar to the Christian word amen. It can be used sincerely or ironically, and has become a frequently used word in the anime and manga.

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Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.