Japanese words - Hard to translate to English

日本語

There are many Japanese words that can't translate to English as the true meaning.
Sometimes I really wish I could use them and deliver the true meaning.

Itadakimasu - As you know, we use this before we eat.
                         What this can be translated into?  -  Thank you for making the food? -  mmm it's not.

Gochiso sama deshita - This is practically the same situation.  We use this when you finish eating.
                                         Thank you for the delicious food.   We use this in small restaurants
                                         like sushi ya, Izakaya, etc.(Not a big
                                          chain restaurant).  We use this when we exit the restaurant.
                                         If you say "Gochiso sama deshita~~" to the owner or sushi chef, they
                                         know what it means.  - If they are Japanese  :)

Ittekimasu  -  We use this when we go somewhere.  What does it mean? -  "Bye"??

Okaerinasai -  We use this when somebody comes home.  This one word is kind of like
                          "Welcome home", "I am glad you are safe", "Happy to see you"  :)

Ganbatte or Ganbare! - When you cheer up somebody, you can use this one word.
                             More like "Good luck",  "Hope you can make it better", "I am praying you will
                             be good", "Do your best!", "Hang in there"... 

Honno kimochi desu - We use this when we give a gift to somebody.  Like I post on my blog before,
                                       Japanese people like giving a gift in any occasion.  It is like a tradition to
                                       show appreciation.  If I translate to English, it will be similar to "This is
                                       a token of appreciation for....", but the Japanese never use direct words, so it is more
                                       likely "This is my heart?"

Ojyama shimasu - When you go into somebody's house, you can use this word.
                                 "I am coming in.  Thank you for letting me in" ... This also is hard to translate.
                                  But if you can use this word when you visit a Japanese's house.  It is very
                                  polite and they will appreciate it.

Osore irimasu -  "I am sorry to bother you" , "I am so sorry to trouble you" .... Also there is meaning
                              of "excuse me, but could you do ......."  It depends on the situation.



This is the one I always want to use in US if they can understand what is really meant.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu - This is great word.  And there are many meanings in
                                         different occations.   If I translate to directly, it is "I beg your kindness".
                                    
  Ex 1)  -  If you meet a Japanese at work at the first time.
    "Hi, My name is Tom" "Yoroshiku Onegai shimasu" or "Dozo yoroshiku"  - It means "Nice to
     meet you" but there is more deep meaning in it like "If I have something I don't understand, please
     teach me or I may give you trouble but thank you for your help" or " I 'm looking for
      working with you".

Ex 2)  When you say "Bye" or "Thank you" in business.  -  "Thank you for your time.  We keep in
           touch.  -You can say "Kongo tomo dozo yoroshiku".

Ex 3) - If you meet a new Japanese teacher in your class.  You can say "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu"
            It means "I will try to do my best" "Thank you for teaching me".

Ex 4)- In New Years, all Japanese people say "Kotoshi mo Yoroshiku Onegai shimasu" - it means
           "Thank you for being in a good relationship"  "I may give you trouble, but thank you for
             everything". 

It is kind of strange, but either way there are many things including the meaning of "Thank you for taking care of me" or "Please be nice to me".

Osewa ni narimasu - This word has a similar meaning. 

For example, if the wife meets the husband's boss or co-worker, the wife has to say "Osewa ni narimasu" - It is strange, but it really means "Thank you for taking care of my husband at work." 

If you see your child's teacher, you can use this word.  It means "Thank you very much for teaching my child - you are great teacher!" 

Anyway..... Japanese is hard, but there are a lot of beautiful words.
(To me..... English is hard)  :(

What do you think?

I don't know this is good to do or not.  I just wanted to hear your opinion.

In the United States, you can see many people tasting foods before they buy it.

For example, fruits such as grapes, blueberries, and strawberries.
Some people open up the package and taste them, before they even buy it!
Mmmmmm..... Is this OK?   - I understand they want to buy a tasty one, but as a Japanese,
I can't do this unelss they have samples.

Also some people start drinking the sodas or juice jugs in the store while they are shopping.    What do you think about this?

I was kind of shocked when I saw this at first.
I am sure this is different in each country.  

How about in your country?

Japanese coffee shops and restaurants

Cafe in Ghibli museum

Hi, Everyone.      
I am so sorry that I haven't written any on this blog for a long time.


Ok... what should I start with...
I will talk about Japanese coffee shops and restaurants.

There are many coffee shops which are called "kissaten" in Japan.
Of course they have Starbucks too!
By the way do you know what Japanese people calls Starbucks?   It is "Su-Ta-Ba".

Kissaten are particularly popular among students or business people, like salary men.
Kissaten serve coffee, tea, soft drinks, and food such as sandwiches, toast, spagetti, sweets, etc...
It depends on the place, but if you go shopping in a popular town, it is naturally to see girls enjoying some "tea-time."

There are Kissten that have different themes. For example, if they have a lot of manga books, it is called "Manga kissa". If they wear maid clothes, it is called "Maid kissa".  These Kissa means "kissaten".

CAUTION! Most coffee shops and restaurants are not refill free.  
For example, if you order coke, they will serve one can of coke and a glass with ice.    That's it! If you get refill, they will charge another one.
 Compared to the cups given in the US, these cups are really small! So if you are thirsty, one sip is all you need to drink it all.
Just remind you..... the portion of the food is also small compare to here in US.


If you go to a family restaurant, like Dennys and Cocos, they usually have a drink bar. 
These are refill free and you can get as much as
you want.








 At last, if you have a chance to visit Japan, please stop by a Japanese convenience store.
They are totally different.  They have all kinds of drinks (everything is so tasty), sweets and
bento.  

Kamidana - Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America

Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Most of the Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoism or both. Usually there is a large red gate in front of the Shinto shrine calls "Torii"

                                                  Temple - Otera                    Shrine - Jinja


Butsudan (Buddhist altar)

Kamidana(Shinto Shrine)



Most of the Japanese use both Shinto and Buddism in their daily life. They visit temples for funerals, New Years Eve, and New Years.  They visit shrines for local festivals (matsuri), weddings, and also New Years.  

Most Japanese houses have Butsudan(Buddhism alter) and Kamidana(shinto shrine) in their homes.

         



   

 Kamidana is a miniture Shinto shrine.  Sometimes they can be seen in Budo dojos, offices, and shops as well.  Japanese people believe that Jinja(shrine) is the guardian deity of the area(town) and Kamidana is the guardian god for the house.  It is said that Kamidana started more than 1300 years ago.  The present Kamidana has a deep relationship to the Grand Shrine of Ise.

Kamidana is usually displayed on the high shelf of the house.
Sometimes Kamidana may also include a shimenawa, a sacred rope of twisted rice straw traditionally used to demarcate a sacred area. They also offer water, sake (rice beer), food, and green twigs which are placed daily at the front of the shrine.  When you pray for Kamidana, first bow twice and then clap your hand twice, then you pray, and after that you bow once.

 In the Kamidana, they usually put amulets(ofuda) into it.

Ofuda is a talisman issued by a Shinto shrine.  It is made by inscribing the name of a kami and the name of the Shinto shrine or of a representative of the kami on a strip of paper, wood, cloth, or metal.

If there is no kamidana, it can be attached to a door, pillar, or ceiling.  It is believed to protect the family in residence from general harm and disease.

There is a portable form of the ofuda, it is called Omamori.  It is wrapped in a small bag made of decorated cloth.  This originates from Buddhism, but was subsequently adopted by Shinto.  Both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines give out these omamori.  While an ofuda is said to protect a whole family, an omamori offers support for personal good luck, protective power, and blessings.

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is the traditional Jinja Shinto Shrine and the direct North American branch of Tsubaki O Kami Yashiro in Mie prefecture one of the oldest and most prestigious shrines in Japan with a history of over 2000 years.

They offer Kamidana, Omamori(amulets), Ema, Hamaya, Omamori Jewelry and bracelets.

Please visit Tsubaki Grand Shrine today!

                                      http://www.tsubakishrine.org

    Also you can check on MegaMall Japan - Meditation page

                                                                  

Japanese Culture - Are Japanese humble?

If you know the Japanese culture and Japanese people deeply, you might think they are a very complicated race.

I do not think many countries have characteristics like Japan. Today I am talking about "謙遜する-Kenson suru" - humble (being modest) Japanese.

In Japan when you talk to people, you have to refer to yourself of lower level (modest or humble) than
your actual situation, ability or value.
This is the very basic thing the Japanese people do every day.

For example, if someone says " I heard you bought a new house" -

What do you say?

"Yes, we have 3000 sqf with a pool and it is beautiful and we really like it" ??

Answer is "NO!" In Japan they will say " No, it's not that great house. The yard is small and we have to work hard to pay off our mortgage... : ( with a sad face ... even if you live in a huge house

How about when someone says "Did you buy a new car?"

-"Yes, we had a really good deal - We will drive it until it's broken"   even if you got a porche

"I heard you got promoted. Congratulations!"

-"Oh, thank you, but I still have a long way to go..." or "I can't even reach to your foot.

(I am not in your league)"

"I like your outfit today - it is so nice!"

- "No, not at all - it was a bargain" or " It is nothing special." 

even it was expensive...

This Kenson(humble, modest) attitude is for family members, too.

If someone says "I heard that your son is excellent at the school!"               
Japanese people will say "No, No, I am afraid he is terrible."
-They never say " Yes, he is a good boy " or something like that.

"Your daughter is so cute!"
- "Thank you, but she is a handful, I always have to keep my eyes on her...."

Japanese people prefer to use following answers:                            

That's not true... ( sonna koto arimasen yo)

No, No (ie ie...)

I am not that (Watashi nante ...)

No way! (Tondemo arimasen)

Compare to you, I am nothing (anata sama ni kurabetara watashi nante...)

Did you think the Japanese are negative? We are not. We are just being humble.
I already talked about when you give a gift , you have to say "This is just a little thing.. but..." or "It's nothing fancy.. but.."before you give a present. There are some more.

When you invite someone to your house:

It's a mess, but please come in. (Kitanai tokoro desuga dozo ohairi kudasai) - even if house is perfectly clean

It's a tiny house, but please come in. (Semai uchi desuga dozo) - even it is a huge house

We really don't have anything to serve you, but please come in. (Nanno okamai mo dekimasenga, dozo)
-even if you already prepare nice dinner

When you serve food at your house:

I am not sure you will like it or not.. ( Okuchi ni auka doka wakarimasen ga...)

This is nothing special, but please help yourself. (Nanimo arimasenga dozo meshiagatte kudasai)

- even though you bought special snacks for them

When your guest leaves:

Sorry, I couldn't serve you enough, but thank you for coming. (Nanimo okamai dekinakute sumimasen)
-even though you did enough for your guest

If you didn't serve tea or anything, you can say
-Sorry, I didn't even serve you a tea.  (Ocha mo dasazuni sumimasen)

Most of the Japanese believes  "A clever falcon hides his claws." or "Modesty is a virtue"
and they use it in everyday life.

If you have Japanese friends, why don't you try this and see if they will be humble or not.
If they are not, then maybe get a Japanican. (very Americanized Japanese)  ^_^

New Listing on MegaMall Japan - Bellabolla....beads

Tombodama are Japanese glass beads.  They have beautiful patterns and designs with vivid colors. 

They are wearable arts!

Tombodama means "dragonfly bead" as they are thought to resemble the color reflected in a dragonfly`s eye.

It is believed that tombodama beads were originated in Mesopotamia about 3,500 years ago. In ancient times, they were made by craftsmen for members of royal families and aristocrats and, were regarded as precious accessories.

The technique used in making the beads were brought to Japan via the Silk Road during the Nara period (710-794), but the craft was lost during the Heian period (794-1192).

Now Tombodama beads are used for obi dome, cell phone strap, jewelries, and can be collectable items.

Tombodama prices are in a wide range. 
"Bellabolla" owner Karen-san is sharing her collection with an affordable price.  Also Bellabolla carries vintage Japanese beads. 

Please check out "Bellabolla" today.    Bellabolla Link

You can find Bellabolla store on following MegaMall Japan page:

Hobby page

Jewelry Page

Japanese culture blog - Japanese hand gesture and body language

Japanese love the peace sign when they take pictures, but I don't think they really mean it as 

"Peace" . The peace sign is a kind of pause they can show cheerful attitude and make them smile

to the camera since the Japanese really are not good at smiling.  ^_^

Some of the gestures the Japanese use might be different from your country.

Japanese people do not use body(hand) gestures(language) as much as another country when they talk.

Me - Watashi

Whe you are listening - Aiduchi (un un) - instead of like uh-huh, right, sure... etc

Just nodding one's head up and down - this is not the meaning of agreeing.

Embarrassment

Usually Japanese women covered their mouth with a hand when they feel embarassing. 

Come here!

Waving the hand in a back and forth motion with the fingers pointed downwards        

Just like Meneki neko.

Other hand gestures

 

How to count

My hand gesture of 3 is like an OK sign though....  : )







Mad - Angry
EX) When I went home late last night and my wife was ...... (Gesture)

              

I am going to pass in front of you (Mae wo shitsurei shimasu)               

Round the back slightly, place one hand up with your fingers together and the thumb up, then gently move your hand up and down when passing in front of someone.

(From Nichi bei Body Talk)

No, thank you. or No, it's not ( iie kekkou desu or iie chigaimasu)   

Shake one or both hands with the palm facing the other person.

Ugly (Busu)

Push up the nostrils with the index finger.

Please or Sorry (onegai shimasu or gomen nasai)         

Place both palms together and lightly bow your head

                      Sometimes I get this gesture when foreign country people say "Thank you-
                      Arigato"  to me, but we don't use this gesture when we say it.
                     



Am I cute? (Kawaii?)  
When a Japanese teenager takes pictures, they sometime do this pose. They put a 'peace' sign on their cheek, or some part of their face to ask, "Am I cute?"

Snooty - put fist on your nose.

Gay (Okama) 

(From 70 Japanese gestures)

By the way this is kind of like a Japanese slung - they use the "gay" word for men who like men and
they dress up with regular men's clothing. "Okama" is the word used for men who dress up in women's clothing.


We have more interesting gestures.  If you can think about something or you realized when you were in Japan or around Japanese friends, please let me know through my facebook or blog.
Here is the link MegaMall Face Book page.

If you would like to sign up on my personal Face book page, click here.
My personal FB page is more casual than MegaMall Page, so
you can talk about a lot of things !! :)   - Yoroshiku Onegai shimasu.....