Conversation in Japanese of Recent Article

Why does not Japanese people use the subject?
The subject is hardly used in a Japanese daily conversation !

 

The center of the West language is a subject, and a Japanese language center is a predicate.

The Japanese is usually using Japanese without the subject.
In Japanese, the subject of the act is not usually described clearly.

Especially, most Japanese people hardly uses the subject in the conversation.

 

 

For example, if Japanese people ran into an acquaintance on the road, they will say, "atsui desune[It is hot ,isn't it ?]

• "What is hot? "
• "Where is hot? "
• "Who is hot?"

They don't say about these in the daily conversation.

 

This is a phrase like a greeting for a Japanese, and they don't use a subject intentionally.It is because they can understand a meaning only by "atsui-desune".

 

Or, for example, if Japanese people ran into an acquaintance on the road, they will say, "odekake-desuka? [Do you go out?]".

• "Where"
• "Who"

Japanese people hardly touch on it.

 

In addition, the conversation becomes lengthy by using the subject.

Conversation will not be realized if a subject doesn't exist in English.
That is because existence of the subject in English is important.

But the conversation without a subject of Japanese is realized.
It is because existence of the predicate in Japanese sentence is important.

 

 

For instance, "I love you." in English.

The Japanese says "I love you." without word "I and YOU".

 

"I love you": When this is translated into Japanese, it is "私はあなたを愛しています。[Watashi wa Anata wo Aishite imasu]".

 

It becomes a lengthy and unnatural expression.

The expression like "好きだよ(Suki dayo)[=I love you.]" or "愛してるよ(Aishite ruyo)[=I love you]" is natural in Japanese.

 

 

 

 

In the case of texts, such as a novel, the expression for which the subject is not used improves reader's feelings.

 

This is a famous phrase in the novels "YUKIGUNI" by "Yasunari Kawabata" who is a famous writer in Japan.

"The train came out of the long tunnel into the snow country."

「国境の長いトンネルを抜けると雪国であった」
(Kokkyo no Nagai Tonneru wo Nukeruto Yukiguni de atta.)

"The train came out of the long tunnel into the snow country."

This English sentence has been translated by "E. Seidensticker."

To tell the truth, the subject doesn't exist on Yasunari Kawabata's original.

E. Seidensticker translates "Train" as a subject.

He is not wrong.

But, the Japanese doesn't think "Train" to be a subject.

"The person who came out the tunnel" of this sentence is "me who looked at the outside of the window from a train".

　Note: "I" in this case is a hero of this novel.

If word "I" is written in these sentences, it becomes very unnatural sentences.

The expression for which the subject is not used improves reader's feelings.

As for readers, empathy becomes possible by such expression, and the reader is drawn in to the world of the novel.

But, "E. Seidensticker" is not wrong.

It is because the Japanese interpretation without the subject is not necessarily one.
In the case of this novel, it is because it is a fact that the train has come out from a tunnel with the hero.

 

Japanese sentence which needs to use a subject.

Japanese people hardly use a subject in daily conversation.
But, when a subject needs to be specified, they are using the subject.

If the subject is not necessary, the Japanese doesn't use the subject.
However, if the subject is necessary, they use it.

The feature of Japanese : "Japanese people are race who wants to omit wording" rather than "the subject doesn't exist in Japanese".

 

For instance, they do not omit the subject in the scene that gives the instruction to many people.
In such a case, Japanese people do very wordy and lengthy expression rather.

 

"Mr. Suzuki must pass on the content to you when Ms. Sato calls Mr. Suzuki at the conference room.
After that, you must go to Mr. Sasaki's room and tell Ms. Sato's report to Mr. Sasaki."

The explanation in Japanese for this case is confusion.

 

「佐藤さん（女）が会議室から鈴木さん（男）に電話をしたら、鈴木さんはあなたたちにその内容を伝えなさい。あなたたちは社長室に行って佐藤さんの報告を社長にしなさい。」

-Sato san ga kaigi-shitsu kara Suzuki san ni denwa wo shitara, Suzuki san wa anata tachi ni sono naiyou wo tsutaenasai.
anata tachi wa shacho-shitsu ni itte Sato san no houkoku wo shacho ni shinasai.-

　　　[What a wordy and lengthy sentence it is!]

Since Japanese people have a custom not using a subject in daily conversation, they feel explanation in such a scene very troublesome.

But in such a scene, Japanese people explain carefully, in order to avoid misunderstanding.

 

Japanese may be "a language on which it lives together with a situation."

 

By Hararie

What does "II DESU" mean?

To begin with, word "II DESU" is used in the meaning of both the affirmative and the denial.

And, it is a phrase used over many topics like permission, agreement, the proposal, the recommendation, the opinion, information, the denial, anger, and the rejection, etc.

And, the following expressions are chiefly used.

1. いいですよ。[II DESU YO]:（permission, approval, proposal, recommendation, and advice）

2. いいですね。[II DESU NE]: (agreement)

3. いいですか？[II DESU KA?]: (asking for permission(confirms))

4. ...たら いいですか？[...TARA II DESU KA?]: (asking for opinion and information)

5. いいです。/ もういいです。[II DESU/Mooo IIDESU]: (Refusal, rejection, and anger)

 

1. "II DESU YO" for permission, approval, proposal, recommendation, and advice.

This II DESU YO form is "Sure you can...".
It's an adjective which means "good," "fine," "okay," etc.
"...temo" means something like "if (someone) were to...."

Accordingly, adding "ii desu" makes it "if (someone) were to (do something) it would be okay," "it's okay if (someone does something)," etc.
And, almost all forms of this "II DESU" are "II DESU YO".

 

Permission Example:

English	Japanese
You can use my PC.	私 の パソコン を 使って いい です よ。 watashi no PC wo tsukatte ii desu yo.
You can watch TV after you've finished your homework.	宿題 を やったら テレビ を 見て いい（です）よ。 shukudai wo yattara terebi wo mite ii desu yo.
You can use my dictionary.	私 の 辞書 を 使って いい です よ。 watashi no jisho o tsukatte ii desu yo.
<Note>: "II DESU(YO)" is a polite form. If you say to your family and friend, you should use "II YO", because "II DESU(YO)" is a polite form.

Approval Example:

English	Japanese
Would you mind sending this package by mail? Okay.	この 包み を 郵便 で 送って もらえません か？ kono tsutsumi wo yuubin de okutte moraemasen ka? いい です よ。 ii desu yo.
Would you take me home? With pleasure.	家 まで 送って もらえます か？ ie(uchi) made okutte moraemasu ka? いい です よ。 ii desu yo.
Would you call a taxi for me? Certainly.	タクシー を 呼んで もらえます か？ takushii wo yonde moraemasu ka? いい です よ。 ii desu yo.
Answer if your answer is "YES" when you undertake something as "II DESU YO".

 

Proposal and recommendation: Example:

English	Japanese
Keeping regular hours is good for your health.	早寝 早起き は 健康 に いい です よ。 hayane hayaoki wa kenkou ni ii desu yo.
This sweater fits you very well.	この セーター は あなた に ちょうど いい です よ。 kono seetah wa anata ni choudo ii desu yo.
The mountain air would help you get better.	山 の 空気 は あなた の 健康 回復 に いい です よ。 yama no kuuki wa anata no kenkou kaifuku ni ii desu yo.
This "II DESU YO" means "good" or "better".

 

Advice Example:

English	Japanese
You shouldn't personal e-mail from the computers in the office.	知らない 人 から の メール は 開かない 方 が いい です よ。 shiranai hito kara no meeru wa hirakanai hou ga ii desu yo.
You should see a doctor for advice.	医者 に 相談 した 方 が いい です よ。 isha ni soudan shita hou ga ii desu yo.
Don't underestimate him.	彼 を 甘く 見ない 方 が いい です よ。 kare wo amaku minai hou ga ii desu yo.
The form "方がいいですよ[hou ga ii desu yo]" is often used for "II DESU YO" of advice. This is meaning "You shouldn't do.".

 

 

 

2. "II DESU NE, II DESU YO" for agreement.

This "II DESU NE" is an answer for agreement.

Example:

English	Japanese
I shall be pleased to go with you. Sure.	一緒 に 行きません か？ issho ni ikimasen ka? いい です ね。/いいですよ。 ii desu ne./ ii desu yo.
How about a drink before dinner? That's great!	夕食 前 に 一杯 どうです か？ yuushoku mae ni ippai doudesu ka? いい です ね。 ii desu ne.
Is this all right? Oh, Okay.	これ で いい です か？ kore de ii desu ka? ああ、いい です ね。/ああ、いい です よ。 aa, ii desu ne./ aa, ii desu yo.
Let's go for a swim in the pool tomorrow. OK./Yeah, let's.	明日 プール に 行かない？ ashita puuru ni ikanai? いい(です)ね。 ii (desu) ne.

 

3. "II DESU KA?" for permission.

These are "II DESU KA" when you ask for permission someone.
And, almost all forms of this "II DESU" are "II DESU KA ?".

Example:

English	Japanese
Can I borrow your fountain pen?	万年筆 を 借りて も いい です か？ mannenhitsu wo karite mo ii desuka?
Would you please help me?	手伝って もらって も いい です か？ tetsudatte moratte mo ii desu ka?
Would you mind if I ask you a favor?	お願いしてもいいですか？ onegai shite mo ii desu ka?
Are we allowed to take pictures here?	ここ で 写真 を 撮って も いい です か？ koko de shashin wo totte mo ii desu ka?
<Note>: If your answer is "Yes", answers to these questions are all "II DESU YO".

 

Column: Ii n desuka vs Ii desu ka

Understand the difference between "Ii desu ka?" and "Ii n desu ka?"

Normally "ii desu ka?" is the standard expression for "is it OK?" Then, understand why "n" is skipped. This little "n" thing is difficult to explain, but "n" is often used to refer to something already talked about before. So, if you are asking for permission, "ii desu ka?"(first time) Because it's the first time you are mentioning it. As a result, the person whom you had asked for permission said "Yes, of course". You are surprise at the unexpected answer, and you asks it again. "Ii ndesuka?"("Really? Is THAT ok?") "n" is used for "Ii desuka?" of second time. In a word, "Ii n desuka" is "Ii n desuka of the confirmation" to "Unexpected result and answer". By the way, using "n" isn't rude.

 

 

4. "...TARA II DESU KA?" for opinion and information.

This "II DESU KA" is asking for opinion and information.
The meaning is "Where(When, What, etc.) should I ...?" or "What should I do...?".
The form is " .... tara idesuka?"

And use this when you have to cope with difficult situation.

 

Example:

English	Japanese
Which platform should I go to to get on the Shinkansen train?	新幹線 に 乗る には 何番線 に 行ったら いいです か？ shinkansen ni noru niwa nanbansen ni ittara ii desu ka?
Where should I buy shoes ?	どこ で 靴 を 買ったら いい です か？ doko de kutsu wo kattara ii desu ka?
When should I borrow the book ?	いつ 本 を 借りたら いい です か？ itsu hon wo karitara ii desu ka?
How should I eat this?	これ は どうやって 食べたら いい です か？ kore wa douyatte tabetara ii desu ka?
If I have late, what should I do ?	もし 時間 に 間に合わなかったら どうしたら いいですか？ moshi jikan ni maniawanakattara doushitara iidesu ka?
If I have troubled what should I do?	もし 困った こと が あったら どうしたら いい です か？ moshi komatta koto ga attara doushitara ii desu ka?
Reference: I think that form "Dou shitara ii desu ka?" is useful for you. In that case, talk your difficulty before phrase "Dou shitara ii desu ka?". As for your difficulty, if you can hardly talk Japanese, use easy Japanese words. In this way, "Watashi(=I), mayotta(=I'm lost), dou shitara ii desu ka?(=What should I do?)" "Watashi(=I), kyoto(=Kyoto), iku(=go/visit), dou shitara ii desu ka?(=What should I do?)" "Watashi(=I), takushii(=taxi), noru(=take), dou shitara ii desu ka?(=What should I do?)" Probably, the Japanese is able to understand it.

 

 

 

5. "II DESU, Mooo II DESU" for refusal, rejection, and anger.

This "II DESU" means the refusal.
Almost all Japanese people not use "NO".
Because Japan has the culture that values harmony, the Japanese doesn't use word "NO".
The Japanese think that word "NO" deteriorates the atmosphere of the scene.
Therefore, the Japanese often uses the phrase that shows refusals such as "Kekkou desu" and "Ii desu".

This "II DESU" is the following meanings.

• I'm not in the mood.
• I don't want it.
• I don't want to go.
• I'm reluctant.

"II DESU" is polite and used a lot for conveying a different and negative meaning.

Example:

English	Japanese
Can I be of any help? No, I got it.	手伝い ましょう か？ tetsudai mashou ka? いえ、いい です。 ie, ii desu.
How about some coffee? I don't want to drink.	コーヒー でも どう？ kohi demo dou? いい です。 ii desu.
I'd like you to come. Sorry, but I can't.	来て もらいたい んだけど。 kite morai tain dakedo. いい です。遠慮 して おきます。 ii desu. enryo shite okimasu.

 

Column: "Mooo ii desu/Mooo iidesu kara"

What does "Mooo II DESU/ Mooo II DESU KARA" mean?
If you hear people arguing, you may hear "ii desu!" yelled out by one of the arguers, with the "ii" strongly emphasized, said much louder than "desu". Sometimes you may hear a long mou before the ii. "mou ii desu !". ( "Enough already! just forget it!") The person who is shouting "Mooo II DESU" is very angry.

 

In spite of the same phrase, "IIDESU" is used in various scenes.
Probably you will be confused by these words.

If you are troubled by such a scene, please observe "expression of the Japanese's and behavior" carefully.

If they are nodding, it will be "Consent or approval."
If they are shaking their head, it will be "Refusal."

It is better to ask them their intention once again, when you cannot understand their feeling.

 

By Hararie

 

What does "sumimasen" mean?

Many Japanese people say it as "Suimasen".

Many people use "suimasen" though a formal pronunciation originally is "sumimasen".

It is because "suimasen" is pronounced easily for the Japanese.

"SUMIMASEN" has 3 meanings.

Since "Sumimasen" can be used in several different situations (when requesting something, when thanking someone etc.), listen carefully to what the context is.

1. SUMIMASEN for apology
2. SUMIMASEN for thanks
3. (CHOTTO)SUMIMASEN for "Calling and request (permission)"

 

1. SUMIMASEN for apology

Sumimasen is most often used as "pardon me" in Japan.

It is probably the most common phrase used to apologize.
The Japanese apologize far more frequently than American and European.

It is not too much to say that there is "Sumimasenn culture" in Japan.
Apologizing is considered a virtue in Japan.
This probably results from cultural differences between them.

Moreover, the Japanese often bows when apologizing.

 

The meaning of word "SUMIMASEN"
　-(I'm) sorry.
　-Pardon me.

 

 

 

 

 

English	Japanese & Pronunciation
Your dog's barking is too loud. I'm sorry.	"あなたの家の犬がほえてうるさいんですけど。" [anata no uchi no inu ga hoete urusaindesu kedo] すみません" [sumimasen]
I'm sorry I'm too late.	大変遅くなりました。すいません。 [taihen osokunarimashita. Suimasen]
I'm sorry to call you so late at night.	夜分遅くの電話ですいません。 [yabun osoku no denwa de suimasen]
I'm sorry for this noise.	騒がしくして すみません。 [sawagashikuksite sumimasen]
I'm sorry I have kept you waiting for a long time.	お待たせしてしまって すみません。 [omatase shitesimatte sumimasen]
I'm sorry for the mistake.	間違って すみません。 [machigatte sumimasen]
I'm sorry to trouble you.	ご迷惑をおかけして すみません" [gomeiwaku wo okake shite sumimasen]

<Note>:
If you are apologizing that something has been done, "Sumimasen deshita" can be used.

 

 

2. SUMIMASEN for thanks

The meaning of word "SUMIMASEN"

-Thank you

English	Japanese & Pronunciation
Please have a seat. "Oh! Thank you!"	どうぞ お座りください。 [douzo, osuwari kudasai.] あら、すいません！ [ara, suimasen!]

English	Japanese & Pronunciation
This is a little something. You're always so kind.	つまらないものですが [tsumaranai mono desuga] "いつもどうもすみません" [itsumo doumo sumimasen.]
Thank you for your help.	手伝ってもらって すみません [tetsudatte morattte sumimasen]

English	Japanese & Pronunciation
Thank you for being so helpful.	すみません、助かります [sumimasen, tasukarimasu]
Thank you for taking time out of your tight schedule.	お忙しい中、時間を割いていただいて すみません。 [oisogashii naka, jikan wo saite itadaite sumimasen]
I have no words to thank you.	ほんとにどうもすみません [honto ni doumo sumimasen]

<Note>:
"Honto ni doumo sumimasen" can be used to apologize, too.

 

 

3. (CHOTTO) SUMIMASEN for "calling and request (permission)"

Sumimasen often is used as "anoo...sumimasen" in combination with the hesitation noise "anoo...".

The meaning of word "SUMIMASEN"

　-Excuse me.
　-I beg your pardon.

 

a. When you want to go through in a crowd on a street.

"Excuse me, may I get through, please?"

"あの～すみません、ちょっと通してもらえますか？"
[anoo...sumimasen, chotto tooshite morae masuka?]

 

b. At the shop:

Customer: Sumimasen.(Excuse me.)
Shopkeeper: Hai, irasshaimase.(Yes, May I help you, sir?)

 

c.At the office:
anoo...Sumimasen.(Excuse me.) Mensetsu ni ukagattan desuga.(I'm here for an interview)

 

d. At the bar
Sumimasen.(Excuse me.) beer wo onegai shimasu.(May I have another glass of beer?)

 

This "SUMIMASEN" is used by various situations.

English	Japanese & Pronunciation
May I come in?	すみません、入っていいですか？ [sumimasen, haitte ii desuka?]
May I use the bathroom?	すみません、お手洗いをお借りしてもいいですか？ [sumimasen, otearai wo okari shitemo ii desuka?]
May I ask you a question?	すみません、ひとつ聞いてもいいですか[sumimasen, hitotsu kiitemo iidesuka?]
Can I borrow this book?	すみません、この本を借りていいですか[sumimasen, kono hon wo karite ii desuka?]
Do you mind if I smoke here?	すみません、ここでタバコを吸っていいでしょうか？[sumimasen, kokode tabako wo sutte ii deshou ka?]"

 

We(the Japanese) use the word "sumimasen" very frequently.
That will be because the word "sumimasen" is convenient word for us.
This "sumimasen" is very convenient word for Japanese people who likes "a soft expression."

 

By Hararie

 

 

Japanese has the habitual greeting which is hard to translate into English.

 

Japanese people are the races which value a greeting.

Though the tendency has been becoming weak recently, originally the greeting education of the Japanese people is thoroughly carried out from childhood.

When working as a member of Japan society, salutatory foundations will be required.

 

Greeting at meal in Japanese.

 

"Itadakimasu" has how by two kinds of to use it.

1. Greeting at meal.

2. The word as "Expression that asks for permission"

<Greeting at meal >

In Japan, when beginning to eat a meal, the greeting "いただきます[Itadakimasu]" is said.
"Heart of thankfulness" is put into these greetings.

• Mind of thanks to person who prepared meal.
• Mind of thanks to people of agricultural worker and fishery worker, etc.
• Mind of thanks dedicated for sacrifice of life of animal and plant.

 

In Japan, there is a custom from ancient times, "it must have a meal after appreciating all."
The custom was simplified with the passage of the long tract of years.
And, it was established to people in Japan as the custom of a formal greeting by only the phrase.
But, even this "Minimum greeting by the phrase" seems to become omitted recently.

I think that man becomes very arrogant when the gratitude is forgotten.

In Japan, a young generation hardly says the phrase of the gratitude "Idadakimasu."
The young generation's self-centered human beings are increasing in number in Japan.

 

Now, though English which agrees with this greeting does not exist, the expression similar to this is the following.

• Thanks God for this food.
• Thank you for your meal.
• Let's eat.
• I start first.
• I hope you don't mind I go first.
• Let's dig in.
• Let's pray first.
• Let's pray before we start.

 

<The word as "Expression that asks for permission">

This is expression of requests for permission indirect about the third party's permission is obtained and things are done. and, oneself receives the benefit of something as a result.

Expression that asks for permission---"sasete itadaku"

 

Please see an example.

「それでは，説明させていただきます。」 Soredeha happyou sasete-itadakimasu. "Then, I explain."	「あした当店は休業させていただきます。」 「明日当店は休業させて頂きます。」 asu[ashita] touten wa kyuugyou sasete itadakimasu. "This store will be closed tomorrow."

 

...Is the interpretation of this expression difficult?

I am sorry not to be able to explain it well.
In short, this expression is "a modest expression."

 

Greeting after a meal in Japanese.

 

 

When writing, the type of a hiragana is used in many cases.

This is a greeting of Japan said when we finished eating meal.

 

These is greetings to express thanks, too.

 

 

Though English which agrees with this greeting does not exist, the expression similar to this is the following.

• I'm full/stuffed.
• I'm done.
• I can't eat any more!
• I'm satisfied!
• The food was so good!
• That was a great meal!
• I need/want the recipe.
• You are a great cook!
• Thank you for such a great meal!
• May I personally thank the cook for such great dishes?
• I really enjoyed the meal!

The following two are polite expressions.

 

 

Greeting of the morning in Japanese.

When writing, the type of a hiragana is used in many cases.

A usual greeting in the morning in Japanese is "ohayou[=Good morning.}"

 

I teach you a strange greeting custom of people in Japan.

When Japanese people meet a colleague and a boss at the time of going to office, time says a morning greeting without a relation.

Probably, it is culture peculiar to Japan.

A polite expression is mainly used to "the older person" and a "boss."

The following two are polite expressions.

 

 

Greeting of the evening and night in Japanese.

 

This is a greeting at night in Japanese.

This greeting is used like English "Good evening."

"Good evening" is "conbanwa
[ こんばんは -konbanwa-]."

There is no special usage only of Japan about this greeting.

But, as for this "Konbanwa", a character differs from pronunciation.

 

 

 

Greeting which goes out.

 

This is a greeting to go to the school and the company.

Though English which agrees with this greeting does not exist, the expression similar to this is the following.

I'm going. I'm leaving. See you. Bye.

 

 

 

 

Greeting to those who go out.

 

This is the greeting for answering to
"行ってきます[Ittekimasu.]"

Or, it is a greeting said for the person who goes out.

Though English which agrees with this greeting does not exist, the expression similar to this is the following.

Bye. See you. Take care. Have a nice day.

 

 

 

 

 

Greeting for the person who came back from outside to say.

 

This is the greeting used when it comes back from a place where person has gone out.

This greeting is used in its own house, company, etc.

Though English which agrees with this greeting does not exist, the expression similar to this is the following.

• I am home.
• I'm back.

 

Greeting to the person who came back from outside.

This is the greeting for answering to "ただいま[tadaima.]"

Or, this is a greeting because it is said for the person who returns from going out to the house etc.

Though English which agrees with this greeting does not exist, the expression similar to this is the following.

How was your work? How was your day?

The following two are polite expressions.

 

I summarized all these greetings in the table.
Please use it.

 

By Hararie

 

<Habitual Japanese greeting which is hard to translate into English.>

No.	Japanese	Kind for use	English
1	いただきます。 itadakimasu.	Greeting at meal.	Expression similar. Thanks God for this food. Thank you for your meal. Let's eat. I start first. I hope you don't mind I go first. Let's dig in. Let's pray first. Let's pray before we start.
		The word as "Expression that asks for permission."	none
2	ごちそうさま。 gochisou sama. ご馳走様。 gochisou sama. ごちそうさまでした。 gochisou sama deshita. ご馳走様でした。 gochisousama deshita.	Greeting at meal.	Expression similar I'm full/stuffed. I'm done. I can't eat any more! I'm satisfied! The food was so good! That was a great meal! I need/want the recipe. You are a great cook! Thank you for such a great meal! May I personally thank the cook for such great dishes? I really enjoyed the meal!
3	おはよう。 ohayou. お早う。 ohayou. おはようございます。 ohayou gozaimasu. お早うございます。 ohayou gozaimasu.	Greeting in the morning.	Good morning.
		When Japanese people meet a colleague and a boss at the time of going to office.
4	こんばんは。 konbanwa. 今晩は。 konbanwa.	Greeting at night.	Good evening.
5	いってきます。 itte kimasu. 行ってきます。 itte kimasu.	Greeting to go to the school and the company.	Expression similar. I'm going. I'm leaving. See you. Bye.
6	いってらっしゃい。 itte rasshai. 行ってらっしゃい。 itte rasshai.	Greeting for answering to "Ittekimasu." The greeting for the person who goes out.	Expression similar. Bye. See you. Take care. Have a nice day.
7	ただいま。 tadaima.	Greeting used when it comes back from a place where person has gone out.	Expression similar. I am home. I'm back.
8	おかえり。 okaeri. お帰り。 okaeri おかえりなさい。 okaeri nasai. お帰りなさい。 okaeri nasai	Greeting for answering to "tadaima." Greeting because it is said for the person who returns from going out to the house etc.	Expression similar. How was your work? How was your day?

 

When the Japanese say "Yes", is this what they really mean?

 

 

First of all, Japanese "Yes" and English "Yes" are not necessarily the same.

This occurs because of the structure of the Japanese language.

In English and most other European languages, a negative answer depends upon the key words of a question and is almost always negative.

Well, look at the example.

Question	Answer	English	Japanese
You didn't go to the museum yesterday, do you?	Yes, I do.	YES	NO
	No, I didn't.	NO	YES
Did you go to the museum yesterday?	Yes, I do.	YES	YES
	No, I didn't.	NO	NO
The Japanese doesn't answer "Result". The Japanese answers "Content of the question".
Don't you like American movies?	Yes, I do.	YES	NO
	No, I didn't.	NO	YES
Do you like American movies?	Yes, I do.	YES	YES
	No, I didn't.	NO	NO
If you change your formulating query like this, the Japanese says an opposite answer.
Don't you want to go there ?	I want.	YES	NO
	I don't want.	NO	YES
Do you want to go there ?	I want.	YES	YES
	I don't want	NO	NO
I am perplexed to the answer of English because I am Japanese though I might possibly have perplexed you.
Aren't you a member of the club?	Yes, I am.	YES	NO
	No, I'm not.	NO	YES

Recall this phrase if you feel the doubt in the Japanese people's answer.

-"The Japanese occasionally does a strange answer."

 

 

Impolite and strange answer of Japanese

Next, the Japanese always has the idea "I want to evade concluding answer".
Therefore, persons who isn't Japanese often say that it is difficult to understand what Japanese are thinking.

It might be "Cultural difference" in a word.

When an American or European says yes, their yes is always means "Yes".
But, occasionally when a Japanese says "yes," it means something else, or according to circumstances, the Japanese has the answer of "No".
An American or European will think, "How rude!"

But, the Japanese doesn't intend to have changed the answer.
We(the Japanese) try to withhold our personal opinions as much as possible.
And, the Japanese will try to tune own opinion to your opinion.
It is peculiar Japanese "Cooperation".

It can be said that it is mental aesthetics peculiar to the Japanese, and it might be wisdom of the island nation race who lives in the narrow land.
I think this is merely a cultural difference.

 

 

By Hararie