Page 23 - Basic Japanese

“De wa (or Ja), shitsurei
shimasu.”
Well, I’ll say goodbye.

(Excuse me.)

18.
“Ja, mata.” “Ē, ja, mata.”
“So long! (Well, (see you) “Okay, see you!”

again!)”

19.

“Hajimemashite. Sumisu desu. “Hajimemashite. Tanaka desu.
Yoroshiku.” Kochira koso yoroshiku.”

“Hi! I’m Ms. Smith. Nice to “Hi! I’m Mr. Tanaka. Nice
meet you!” to meet you, too!”

CULTURE NOTE Puzzling Japanese Phrases

Beginner students of the Japanese language are often
puzzled by simple, daily expressions when they see

their literal translations. This is mainly due to socio-
cultural differences between Japan and other countries,

especially in the West, although structural differences in
the language are also responsible. Many Japanese

phrases were derived from locutions that express
modesty and respect. For example, when the Japanese

introduce themselves to others, they say yoroshiku onegai
shimasu at the end. Phrase books will offer a

conventional translation, like ‘Nice to meet you,’ but the

literal translation is very different. Literally, yoroshiku
means ‘well,’ appropriately,’ or ‘favorably.’ Onegai means
‘wish’ or ‘request.’ Shimasu means ‘will do.’ So, the