In the English language we use the terms "Excuse Me" and "I'm sorry" to show our apologies. "Excuse me" translates into "Sumimasen" however, it is also used to describe one's apolgies and thank you. Sumimasen should be the first word anyone devout Japanese language student learns because it is the most recognizable and used, as often as the English word "the". I don't think I go without a day apologizing to someone or for something.
For example, when calling someone on the phone it is customary to apologies for making the call, for all of their troubles. And when ending a call you must say at least 5 Sumimasens before ending the phone call.
"I'm sorry" or "Gomenasai" on the other hand expresses sorrow or in a troubled situation. You must be pretty apologetic when using this term. What do you get when you say 10 Sumimasens?... A SUPERmasen
3 comments:
I choked on my drink laughing at the SUPERmasen line.
hahaha, that post was quite funny and very true. i think i made a comment about that to someone once. he asked me what i didnt like about japan and i said that people say sumimasen so much that it loses its touch.
Glad you enjoyed it cuz I definitely don't when I hear 10 in a row haha.
The sweet sound of an excuse me sometimes gives me nightmares
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