Brenton
Philip SharpGetting Attention.
April 8th 2008 12:23
One thing to remember at all times with learning Japanese, is that the culture is incredibly polite, and that this is intertwined with the language.
EXCUSE ME (Getting Attention):
すみません Sumimasen. Literally translates as excuse me. As in the English equivalent, it can be used to apologise as well as to attract attention.
すいません, すんません, すんまへん Suimasen, Sunmasen, Sunmahen. These are all colloquial forms of Sumimasen. Better used with people you know. I have a sneaking suspicion they may be location specific too, so don’t rush into these just yet.
おじゃまします This is a very specific phrase for a very specific purpose, used to alert people that you have entered their house. This can let people know they have company, or alert your family or friends that you have returned (similar to ‘Honey, I’m Home’.
おいおい, おい, おおい Oioi, Oi, Ooi. Hey! Very crude. Don’t use this, at all, unless you’re very good friend with the person you’re gaining the attention of.
A note on formality; When you don’t know a person, especially when they are likely of higher status, it’s best to be as formal as possible.
EXCUSE ME (Getting Attention):
すみません Sumimasen. Literally translates as excuse me. As in the English equivalent, it can be used to apologise as well as to attract attention.
すいません, すんません, すんまへん Suimasen, Sunmasen, Sunmahen. These are all colloquial forms of Sumimasen. Better used with people you know. I have a sneaking suspicion they may be location specific too, so don’t rush into these just yet.
おじゃまします This is a very specific phrase for a very specific purpose, used to alert people that you have entered their house. This can let people know they have company, or alert your family or friends that you have returned (similar to ‘Honey, I’m Home’.
おいおい, おい, おおい Oioi, Oi, Ooi. Hey! Very crude. Don’t use this, at all, unless you’re very good friend with the person you’re gaining the attention of.
A note on formality; When you don’t know a person, especially when they are likely of higher status, it’s best to be as formal as possible.
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