日本のあいさつ：Japanese Greetings

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Questions to consider:

Can you think of other greetings that reveal Japanese values?

Why do Japanese value greeting those closest to them as opposed to strangers?

おはようございます＝lit. means "it is early"

Japan was traditionally agrarian based, an early start meant a good, productive day.

informal --- formal

おはよう おはようございます

いたただきます＝lit. means "I humbly receive"

Implies humility and gratitude for the food

usually said in unison during meals (especially with families)

- reminds those around the table that their family is one

ごちそうさまでした＝lit. means "it was a feast"

ending of meal

gratitude for those who provided the meal, as well as for those who prepared it.

*appropriate to bow slightly to express thanks and respect

Japanese find it important to announce they are leaving their inside world to the outside. Those who remain inside extend their best wishes to their family member who ventures into the outside world.

Expressions:

行ってきます＝I'm leaving (when leaving the house)

行っていらっしゃい＝Have a safe trip （response to 行ってきます）

ただいま＝I'm home (said when returning home)

お帰りなさい（おかえりなさい）＝Welcome back

Reflects Japanese consciousness of 内外 (ないがい）/ inside and outside

お先に（おさきに）

Used when one does something before another person. (ex. bathes ahead of others, eats before others)

- frequently used when one leaves their workplace before one's colleagues or gatherings.

Reflection of the Japanese strong sense of hierarchy and order.

Said apologetically, gratefully, and respectfully

Japanese prefer to not put themselves ahead of others, as it's seen as a highly individual [and even selfish] act.

Body Language

extending greetings:

- no physical contact

- brief pause in step and a bow, no matter how slight

must acknowledge others with a greeting and leave by excusing themselves

-in the house: extends courtesy to others so that they know the movements of everyone