A So^ desu ka?

When I was a kid, I can remember trying to make fun of oriental people by pulling back on my eyes so they appeared slanted and saying," Ah so desu ka". It wasn't until I lived in Japan that I realized that Japanese kids also make fun of westerners by pointing out that we have big noses and round eyes. It turns out that that there really is a phrase, "A so^ desu ka?". It means, "Is that so?" In this instance so seems to mean the same thing in both English and Japanese.

あ そう です か？a so^ desu ka? - Is that so?

so^ = so

So^, is a cool little word because it seems we can use it the same way in both Japanese and English.

How to pronounce the Japanese syllable "tsu"

The Tsu syllable

Japanese pronunciation tips

How to pronounce the Japanese syllable “tsu”

Of the 46 syllables in the Japanese syllabary, three are frequently mispronounced by beginning Japanese language learners. The focus of this mini lesson is on one hard to pronounce Japanese syllable, the “tsu” syllable.

Even when native English speakers say the word of Japanese origin, tsunami, they seem to be saying sunami. When speaking in Japanese, the difference in meaning between words that start with su, and words that start with tsu is enormous. In other words, mispronouncing tsu for su could wreak havoc. Learning correct pronunciation is therefore important toward meaningful communication.

Japanese words that contain “tsu” or begin or end with this syllable, require a little cleverness, patience and consistent practice to master it's pronunciation.

The pronunciation of the "tsu" syllable is not overly difficult and can be understood by eliding two English words, eight suits. The English words, eight suits, when elided together gives a close verbal approximation of the way the Japanese syllable “tsu” should sound when pronounced correctly.

Improve your Japanese pronunciation by saying the following out loud:

eight suits, eight suits, eigh t suits, eigh t su its, eigh tsu its, eight suits

Continue saying aloud this phrase a few more times. Concentrate on the elision that occurs between the words eight, and suits. Say it faster and faster until you can feel the tsu come out of the phrase. The most correct or nearest equivalent that Japanese language learners can get to saying the “tsu” syllable is taking the t from the eight and adding the su to it as in the previous example. Once you have a feel for the way the "tsu" syllable is pronounced, practice sounding authentic by saying the following words that contain "tsu" -

tsuitachi 一日 – 20th of the month
tsu^yu^ 梅雨– the rainy season
itsu? 何時? (いつ) – when?
hachimitsu 蜂蜜– honey
itsutsu いつつ– 5 objects; object counter
itsumo^ 何時も– always
Motsuaruto モ-ツア-ルト – Mozart
Etc.

x dake ja naku y (mo)

X dake ja naku Y (mo) – Not only X, but y (also)

 The word dake (pronounced dah - kay) means only. Ja naku is one form of the negative present copula “to be”. Ja naku is an abbreviated version of the more formal expression for “isn’t” dewa nakute, or dewa naku. Dewa has over the years become ja for all intents and purposes. So this is a good point to remember-  as dewa tends toward the contracted form ja, other Japanese words that start with the sound d tend toward j forms when in contraction.

Examples

Ringo dake ja naku banana mo kaimashita.
Not only apples but I also bought banana’s.

kohii dake ja naku o-cha mo suki desu.
Not only coffee but I also like tea.


Towards Better Japanese
Ganbatte ne!
Do Your Best!
Makurasuki

How to say, "rich" and "poor" in Japanese

Kane or 金, is defined as 1. a metal, 2. money; cash; a coin.

Japanese elementary schoolers learn this kanji in the first grade. It is easy to remember because it resembles what it represents - The kanji 金, looks like treasure in a chest, shining brightly.

You call a rich person, o-kane mochi, or literally holder of the gold.

O-kane mochi  - rich, wealthy
お金持ち

You call a poor person bimbo^.

bimbo^  - poor
貧乏

wierd Japanese words

Many words in Japanese don’t have exact, equivalent translations in English. Japan has a very old national history dating back to at least 600 A.D. The Japanese language has been evolving since even before that time. Customs and traditions are different and unique to each country’s environment and history. Words, phrases, and expressions also are unique to each country's environment and history. Here are some Japanese phrases that have evolved in Japan that we just don't have in English.

(御) お- 世話 様 でした – O-SEWA SAMA DESHITA – You did a terribly awfully nice favor for me and I am completely grateful and you really helped a lot.

御 苦労 様 でした - GO-KURO^ SAMA DESHITA – You worked very hard today and we pay thee much respect and thanks for your hard efforts, it must have been a lot of hard work but good going and thanks.

御 疲れ 様 でした - O TSUKARE SAMA DESHITA - You tired yourself out and did a great job. Thanks for the great work you have done.
余計なお-世話 だ! - YOKEI NA O-SEWA DA! – It’s None Of Your (Darn) Business!

おりこさん- ORIKO SAN – He is such a good kid, or she is so well behaved.

じゃね - JA NE – see ya, later, adios, ciao, lates, see you on the flipside, peace out

でわ また- Dewa Mata – until next time, see you later, talk at you soon, peace out