Sound emphasis • Japanese uses an emphasis on a certain syllable to distinguish words that mean different things but are spelled the same • Example: HAshi is chopsticks ha. SHI is bridge
Implied Expressions • Some phrases in Japanese have double-meanings because it is a respectful language. • Example: それわいい : can mean both good or bad
The “P” Sound: Origin • When the Portuguese came to Japan in the 16 th century, The Japanese used circles to mark letters that didn’t mean what they were, eventually The Portuguese used the circle to mark P sounds
Episode 10
忌み言葉 Words not to use • Words that have bad meanings are changed to imply a happier feeling. • Example: 刺身 (sashimi): "sasu" means to cut -can be changed to おつ くり
Shrines • 参道 (sandou): the pathway to the shrine right under the gate • 正中(seichuu): the exact middle of the path; the path the god walks • 阿形 (agyou): the guardian lion at the left of the shrine entrance (open mouth) • 吽形 (ungyou): the guardian dog at the right of the shrine entrance (closed mouth) • 手水所 (chouzu dokoro): This is where you wash your hands to cleanse your body and rinse your mouth to cleanse your words.
Keigo Terms • Osore irimasu ga : Sorry to impose -Implies an answer be given • Sashitsukae nakereba: Not to interfere (apology) • Omemoji: To meet