from movies i've learned that Japanese people bow constantly, since i don't speak any japanese, should i just bow and speak english, e.g. bow and say 'Hello', bow and say 'excuse me', bow and order food?
2007-12-17 16:15:07 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
you don't have to bow for everything. if you did that, they'd look at you funny.
here are some sI'mple words to know.
im sorry if i spell this wrong, but i normally read it and write it in Japanese.
sumimasen (soo-me-ma-sen) ----- excuse me, im sorry, and thank you (depends on how you say it)
moshi moshi (moe-shi moe-shi) ----- hello (konichiwa means good afternoon or hello)
ohio-gozimas (ohio go-zie-mas) ----- good morning
konbanwa (kon-bon-wa) ----- good evening
try going to quickstudy.com to look for japanese language tips and tools
2007-12-18 08:25:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He is desperate to appease foreign leaders. His whole ridiculous campaign for peace with the world simply cant work. He is willing to sacrifice American dignity for some brownie points with other leaders. Why doesn't he bow to the Queen? Quite simply the royal family of Great Britain hasn't actually had power for some time, so what political advantage could he gain from bowing to the Queen if his real political encounters have to deal with the prime minister and parliament? And for the foreigners who are asking "why is it such a big deal to you americans" and "courtesy and manners" etc, It's not that we don't have respect for your leaders, on the contrary, i have more respect for them than i do for President Obama. But how would you feel if the queen or emperor or king, bowed down to the president? What if it was OUR custom to get down onto our hands and knees in front of the president? Would you be offended if your leader did this? The fact of the matter is, bowing down is a sign of submission, and signifies the other person's dominance. The american people consider themselves among the greatest in the world, if not the greatest. How do you think it looks to them that the President, who in their opinion MUST be among the most powerful men in the world, and should hold equal respect to kings and queens, is submitting himself to a foreigner? It gives us the impression that we are second rate, and that Obama is throwing away our international political power.
2016-05-24 11:13:52 · answer #2 · answered by carolann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, Ive been living in Japan for about 2 years now (still havent learned any Japanese) LOL.
It is very impractical to bow to each person you make eye contact with (you would be bowing all day!-But it is important to say thank you when recieveing service of any kind. "Domo Arigato"
Ive found that it is only neccessary to bow when being formally introduced to someone-and also to acknowledge an elderly person as you pass.
2007-12-17 16:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by butterrum28 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
(*^o^*) Ohhhh! ♡^_^♡ I LOVE this Q.!
Actually, many, many, many years ago when I first came to live here in Japan, I had the same question! LOL(*^o^*)
You don't have to bow at all. (Unless you REALLY, REALLY want to, then go ahead. )(^_-)-☆
Most Japanese people don't expect "us" foreigners to bow, at all. So, don't worry about it. You can say "Hello!", "excuse me" (if you want to) and just go ahead and order your food. Mostly just smile and you'll be fine!
♡Have a great time!
Hope this helps!♡
2007-12-17 19:34:43 · answer #4 · answered by C 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No you don't have bow all the time, in fact most times it is a simple nod of the head, or slightly leaning forward or a very slight bow, not a full formal bow. Doing this is a lot faster, and easier on the back then full formal bows.
2007-12-17 16:21:37 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
No. You don't need to bow. My daughter in law lived in Japan for a year. You should learn some key words tho. It will go far with people. In big cities most people know English but out in the country you will meet people who don't know your language.
2007-12-17 16:19:34 · answer #6 · answered by Pook 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
NOOOOO WAY!!! they'll think ur a freek. bow when u meet ppl, when u say bye, when ur saying sorry, when ur saying thank u....those u dont normally do with ppl ur good friends with, only formally. when u say itadakimasu (wat u say before u eat), when u say gotchisousamadeshita (wat u say after u eat), thats just normal, and there are alot more, but u shouldnt bow for everything.....ppl wud just think ur crazy. so dont bow when u order food, and i guess u can bow when u say excuse me, and u can bow when u say hello, but not when u say hi. also when u bow, dont overdo it. just do it slightly, but not so its unnoticable....was that enough advice? trust me. im half japanese, and i sometimes i live in japan, sometimes i live in the u.s.
2007-12-17 16:24:30 · answer #7 · answered by Goo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no no no..you bow when they bow to you....usually they dont go around bowing to people..they have become very westernized ...you can say ohio...it means hello..and say it like the state.....domo aregoto say it like i spelled it means thank you..those will get you far...but try to pick up a few words before you go
2007-12-17 16:36:54 · answer #8 · answered by bailie28 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. Everybody would think you are a crazy/ disrepectful gaijin
2007-12-18 05:08:48 · answer #9 · answered by afronathan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No... Lol....
Actually, you don't have to bow to anyone.
Just say hi if you want :)
Pronounced, *co ni chu ah"
2007-12-17 16:35:28 · answer #10 · answered by Green Eyes 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋