Swiss Army Knife Vocabulary

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Steven Coleman

Not all words are equal. Life without the word “frothy” would be livable, but life without “love” would be nearly impossible. Some words are essential, while others are mere luxuries. And so it is in Japanese.

The Japanese are masters of the apology. Probably the most ubiquitous and utilitarian of apologies would be “sumi-masen,” which works on strangers, superiors, and intimates. Body language must be integrated with its usage or proper attitude will not be projected. Start the word looking the recipient in the eye and quickly drop your head as you complete it. Leave your head down for a moment. Try it next time you step on someone’s foot in a crowded train – if you can identify the foot’s owner.

The Japanese also have many ways to praise. I think my favorite is “o-tsukare-sama-deshita.” This means ‘you’ve worked hard,’ but it can be used in an amazingly wide variety of situations: students finish a quiz, partner comes home from work, or any completed task whatsoever – sex, for example.

The Japanese also know well how to curry favor. In fact their constant polite petitioning may appear rather excessive to foreigners. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. You can prostrate yourself, figuratively, to no ill-effect with “onegai-shimasu.” This is just a simple ‘please,’ but it can be used in any situation in which you ask someone to do something for you. It is always placed after the thing you want; if what you want is obvious, it can be used stand-alone. Asking for change, for example is: “Ryou-gae-onegai-shimasu.” A slight nod of the head adds to the effectiveness greatly.

Finally, to complete your survival kit, learn to say thank you: “domo-arigatou-gozai-mashita.” This is also performed with a bow. You may omit “domo” to make it slightly less formal, or “gozaimashita” to make it very casual. When in doubt, use the more formal, as people with whom you could be more casual love to be given the opportunity to tell you so.

Well, if I’ve been too presumptuous, sumi-masen. As for your effort to learn these words and to used them, onegai-shimasu. For reading this through to the end, o-tsukare-sama-deshita. And, for digging it, domo-arigatou-gozaimashita.