Japanese 1 Chapter 0.

1: Classroom Behavior August 26, 2014

Polite Language
Japanese Expression English Equivalent Expression Literal Translation

d o u z o

Please help yourself/go ahead.
by all means

d o u m o

d o u m o a r i g a t o u

d o u m o

a r i g a t o u g o z a i m a s u

Thanks. (informal)
Thanks very much. (semi-polite)
Thank you very much. (polite)
in every way
Thanks in every way.
Thank you in every way.

g o m e n n a s a i

Im sorry. Forgive me.

d o u m o

su mi ma se n

(Please) excuse me.
Im (very) sorry.
Thank you (very much) for
doing me this favor.
it is unfinished

The word sumimasen does triple duty in Japanese society. Its hard to imagine how one word can mean so many things, but looking
at the literal translation gives us a clue to the underlying context and nuance of the term: it is unfinished makes reference to a
much deeper philosophical sentiment about social empathy. That which isnt finished is the abstract idea of the speakers
dependence on the listeners generosity, patience, help, etc. Every time you say sumimasen, youre transmitting respect, gratitude,
and humility, on the mutual understanding that you and the person youre speaking to want to get along in harmony for many years
to come. Native Japanese speakers use sumimasen very often, but always sincerely it is perhaps the most powerful linguistic
talisman supporting the social coherence of Japan.
Japanese 1 Chapter 0.1: Classroom Behavior August 26, 2014

Opening Bow
Japanese Expression What You Are Supposed to Do English Equivalent Expression Literal Translation

ki ri tsu

ki WO tsu ke

r e i

c h a k u s e k i

stand up
straighten up, get serious
bow
sit down
Stand up.
Prepare.
Bow.
Sit down.
discipline
be careful
respect
land in your seat

Commands and Asking Permission

Japanese Expression English Equivalent Expression Literal Translation

te

k u da s a i

Please do ___.
Do ___. (polite)

te

m o i i d e s u k a


h a i

d o u z o


i i e

d a me d e su

May I do ___?
Yes, you may.
No, you may not.
Is it good if I ___?
Yes, please (go ahead).
No, thats no good.

The te-form is something well learn about in much greater detail later. For now, all you need to know is that the words ending in te
that we use to give commands and ask permission in the patterns above are verbs (action words). You can put any te-form verb in
the blanks to make a legitimate sentence.