The Japanese language

A subjective view on the japanese language:

The single most used word (by far) is “Sumimasen”. Just like the German “Entschuldigung” it means both “sorry” and “excuse me”. It is used, however in situations in which at first it seems very out of place for foreigners:
You enter a restaurant - Sumimasen
You receive a complimentary glass of water - Sumimasen it is
Someone holds the door open for you - Oh, you better Sumimasen!

Why?

Well you’ve just potentially been a nuisance to the other person and made them feel they need to serve you or help you.
Of course Sumimasen is also used for its initial purpose. Usually emphasised by a bow. The deeper the more Sumimasen you are.

Apart from the omnipresent Sumimasen we got quite far with the few phrases we learned before hand and on the go. Here’s just a few (in made up phonetic romanisation):

Thank you - Arigato (usually followed by a gosaimas if you want to be polite)

Ohaio gosaimas/Konnitschiwa/Gombawa - Good morning/Hello/Good evening

Kore/sore - This/that

Please - Onegaischimas/Kudasai

You’re welcome - Do itaschimaschte

Two beers please - Biru ftatsu kudasei (obviously)

Just in general Japanese people love it if one tries to use their language. But be prepared that they usually continue speaking Japanese after that. So better have a quick “Sumimasen! Wakkaranai” (I don’t understand) in your back pocket.

It was great fun to try out this great language and I feel like Japanese isn’t that hard to learn. If you’re able to imitate Yoda, you’ve got the grammar down, half of the words are derived from english with an “o” or “u” at the end and the rest is easy, right?

Sumimasen,
TomRead more