Beginning Japanese for Professionals: Book 1

39 Location Nihon no daigaku colleges in Japan Affiliation J-Netto no Maikeru Michael from J-Net Possession watashi no baggu my bag Time san-ji no baito work from 3 o’clock Subgroup Amerika no Pootorando Porltand, US, daigakuin no ichi-nensei First year graduate student Status ryuugakusei no Hiru-san Mr/s. Hill, an exchange student 2-2-2 Loan Words Japanese has borrowed words and phrases from other languages. The majority of Japanese loanwords these days come from English. When words are borrowed, they go through some changes. First, their pronunciation changes to fit the Japanese sound system. Make sure you learn how your name is pronounced in Japanese. Second, these words usually become nouns, regardless of what they were in their original language. Third, their meaning in Japanese may be different. As explained in GN1-4-2, by attaching – simasu, many borrowed words that are verbs in the original language can be used as verbs in Japanese ( kopii-shimasu ‘copy’). If the original words/phrases are long, they get abbreviated and become very different words from the original ( sumaho for smart phone). It’s common to abbreviate two-word phrases by taking the first two syllables from each and combine them to make four syllable words ( pasokon for personal computer). 2-2-3 Introductions and Exchange of Business Cards It’s customary in business situations to exchange business cards when meeting someone for the first time. Keep your cards ready. As you present your card (with both hands, palms up), bow and turn it so that the other person can read it. As you receive the other person’s card, take a moment to read/acknowledge it. You can place their business cards in front of you during the meeting to refer to. Self-introductions are very common in Japan, during which a person gets up in front of a group and explains who he/she is. These follow a formula, which starts with hajimemashite, followed by your name (even if it has already been mentioned) and other information, and closes with douzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu . Remember to bow as you introduce yourself, and nod when others bow. It’s better to be safe and bow more often than sorry by bowing too little. When in doubt, bow!