Glossary
San (さん)
San is an honorific suffix added to names to show respect and acknowledge a person's status. It is commonly used for both formal and informal address.
Example:
When addressing your teacher, you would say 'Sensei san' or 'Tanaka-san' to show politeness.
いただきます (Itadakimasu)
Itadakimasu is a phrase said before a meal to express gratitude for the food and those who prepared it. It signifies humbly receiving the meal.
Example:
Before digging into a bowl of ramen, it's polite to say 'Itadakimasu' to show appreciation.
おじぎ (Ojigi)
Ojigi refers to bowing, the traditional Japanese greeting used to show acknowledgment and deep respect. The depth and duration of the bow vary based on the situation and relationship.
Example:
After receiving a gift, a deep ojigi is a common way to express sincere gratitude.
おせんべい (Osenbei)
Osenbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers, often savory and crunchy, and are a popular choice for omiyage.
Example:
My grandmother always has a tin of crispy osenbei ready for visitors, especially the soy sauce flavored ones.
おみやげ (Omiyage)
Omiyage is a customary gift, often a local specialty, brought back from a trip or to a gathering to show respect and maintain social connections.
Example:
After visiting Kyoto, I made sure to buy some delicious green tea sweets as omiyage for my host family.
お年玉 (Otoshidama)
Otoshidama is a special New Year tradition where children receive money in decorative envelopes from adult relatives, symbolizing value and teaching saving.
Example:
Every New Year, children eagerly await their otoshidama from their grandparents, often saving the money for something special.
お皿 (Osara)
Osara refers to a plate or dish. It is a common piece of tableware used for serving food.
Example:
Please put the cookies on the osara for our guests.
お金 (Okane)
Okane means money. It is a general term for currency.
Example:
Children learn about saving okane from a young age through traditions like otoshidama.
ごちそうさま (Goshisōsama)
Goshisōsama is a phrase said after a meal to express appreciation and thankfulness for the food and the hospitality received.
Example:
After finishing a delicious home-cooked meal, saying 'Goshisōsama' is a way to thank the host.
はし (Hashi)
Hashi are chopsticks, the primary eating utensil used in Japan for most meals.
Example:
Learning to properly use hashi is an essential skill for enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine.
名字 (Myōji)
Myōji refers to a person's last name or family name. In formal Japanese settings, people are typically addressed by their last name followed by an honorific.
Example:
When meeting someone new in a business context, you would likely address them by their myōji like 'Suzuki-san.'
尊敬 (Sonkei)
Respect is a fundamental value in Japanese culture, particularly within families, where older members are highly regarded for their wisdom and experience.
Example:
Showing sonkei towards your elders by listening attentively is a key part of Japanese family life.
教育 (Kyōiku)
Kyōiku means 'education.' It refers to the process of teaching or learning, especially in a formal setting.
Example:
Japanese parents often place a high value on their children's kyōiku.
渡す (Watasu)
Watasu is a verb meaning 'to hand over' or 'to give.' It implies the physical act of passing something to someone.
Example:
When you watasu a gift, it's polite to use both hands.
考え (Kangae)
Kangae means 'thought,' 'idea,' or 'way of thinking.' It refers to a concept or opinion.
Example:
Sharing your kangae during a group discussion can lead to new insights.
話す (Hanasu)
Hanasu is a verb meaning 'to talk' or 'to speak.' It is used to describe the act of verbal communication.
Example:
It's important to hanasu clearly when practicing your Japanese pronunciation.
食べる (Taberu)
Taberu is a verb meaning 'to eat.' It is a fundamental verb used when discussing food consumption.
Example:
Do you like to taberu sushi for lunch?
食事 (Shokuji)
Shokuji refers to a meal or dining. It encompasses the act of eating and the food consumed during a meal.
Example:
Family shokuji are important for bonding and sharing daily experiences in Japan.