Basic Japanese. Eriko Sato

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Basic Sentences

       CULTURE NOTE Puzzling Japanese Phrases

      Beginner students of the Japanese language are often puzzled by simple, daily expressions when they see their literal translations. This is mainly due to socio-cultural differences between Japan and other countries, especially in the West, although structural differences in the language are also responsible. Many Japanese phrases were derived from locutions that express modesty and respect. For example, when the Japanese introduce themselves to others, they say yoroshiku onegai shimasu at the end. Phrase books will offer a conventional translation, like ‘Nice to meet you,’ but the literal translation is very different. Literally, yoroshiku means ‘well,’ appropriately,’ or ‘favorably.’ Onegai means ‘wish’ or ‘request.’ Shimasu means ‘will do.’ So, the entire phrase literally means something like ‘I request (you to act) in favor (of me)’ or ‘please be kind to me.’ You may wonder why Japanese people say something that implies their helplessness at the very moment they introduce themselves, but the phrase actually expresses their modesty, their respect for the person they’re speaking to, and their willingness to have a good relationship with him or her. And while the literal translation of the phrase is awkward, understanding the culture, understanding the idea of the phrase, and learning exactly when the phrase is used—by whom, to whom, and for what purpose—is the key to success in acquiring the language. Conventional English translations may be useful for you at the outset, but in a later context they will eventually confuse you. So, when you learn Japanese, think in Japanese, not in English!

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Basic Vocabulary

      FAMILIAR JAPANESE WORDS