What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan?
We asked people in Japan if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"A few grammatical errors come to mind. Woman is "onna no hito" rather than just "onna" and if you say just onna it is referring to their vaginas. Also, I said "Watashi wa sensei wo tabemashita" instead of "Watachi wa sensei to tabemashita." The difference: "I ate a teacher" instead of "I ate with a teacher"," remarked another expat in Tomobe, Japan.
"I said "Arigato" to a man I passed ( which means Thank You) when I meant to say Ohiyo gzamuz ( which means Good Morning!) My son said, why did you tell that man Thank you? I laughed & said I was nervous," said a member in Ayase- Kanagawa Perfecture, Japan.
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Other Questions:
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Japan?
If you live in Japan, newcomers to Japan would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.