[Honorific Language] How to say NO to your boss in Japanese?

Summary

In this lesson, a Japanese teacher guides learners through essential honorific expressions for politely declining invitations or offers. The video covers five key phrases, such as '〇〇 is a little...', '〇〇 is ... let alone ...', and 'I'm sorry', which are used to soften refusals while maintaining respect. The teacher also introduces the humble phrase 'Let me be with you again', encouraging learners to express appreciation for invitations even when they cannot accept. With examples and explanations, this video helps learners navigate polite Japanese speech in social and professional contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Polite refusal is an important aspect of Japanese communication, especially when dealing with invitations or requests.
• 😀 The expression 'I'm sorry, ○○ is a little...' is used to politely decline an invitation, implying inconvenience or discomfort.
• 😀 The phrase '○○ is ... let alone ...' is a stronger refusal, often used to indicate that something is not even possible, let alone desirable.
• 😀 The simple expression 'I'm sorry' is a humble way to preface a refusal, adding a polite tone to the response.
• 😀 The phrase 'With much trouble ...' is used to convey difficulty or inconvenience, expressing regret over a refusal.
• 😀 The expression 'Let me be with you again' is a humble way to end a conversation, expressing a desire to join the person next time.
• 😀 Understanding these expressions is crucial for maintaining respect and harmony in social and professional interactions in Japan.
• 😀 The tone of voice and facial expression are just as important as the words used when refusing, ensuring the other person doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
• 😀 These expressions help to avoid blunt refusals, which could come across as rude in Japanese culture.
• 😀 The lesson encourages learners to practice using these expressions to feel more comfortable and confident in real-life conversations with Japanese speakers.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video lesson?

The primary focus of the video lesson is teaching viewers how to politely refuse invitations in Japanese using various honorific expressions.

What does the phrase 'I’m sorry, ○○ is a little...' mean in Japanese?

The phrase 'I’m sorry, ○○ is a little...' is a polite way to decline an invitation or request, meaning 'I don’t like it' or 'I can’t do it,' while softening the refusal with an apology.

How can you decline an invitation in a kinder way using Japanese?

To decline an invitation more politely in Japanese, you might use the structure '○○ is... / ...' which softens the refusal, suggesting a reason without being too direct or rude.

What role does the word 'I'm sorry' play when refusing in Japanese?

'I'm sorry' serves as an important honorific expression before a refusal, signaling empathy and understanding, and preparing the listener for a polite decline.

What is the purpose of using 'Much trouble...' in a refusal?

'Much trouble...' is a way to express that the refusal is due to an inconvenience, often used in formal or business contexts to show that declining is not out of disinterest, but due to personal reasons or obligations.

What does 'Let me be with you again' imply in a conversation?

'Let me be with you again' is a humble way to express that you would like to be invited again in the future, and it helps maintain a positive relationship even after declining an invitation.

Why is it important to use body language when refusing an invitation in Japanese?

In Japanese culture, body language is crucial to ensure that the refusal is not perceived as rude. A polite tone and facial expression can help convey respect and understanding, making the refusal more acceptable.

What type of situations are the phrases in this lesson most useful for?

The phrases are especially useful in situations where you need to politely decline invitations in both casual and professional settings, such as at work or when interacting with acquaintances or superiors.

Can you provide an example of a polite conversation using these refusal expressions?

Sure! An example would be: A: 'Would you like to go golfing on Sunday?' B: 'Ah, I’m sorry. A little on Sunday, I have a plan. But thank you for your invitation. Let me be with you again.'

What does the video promise to teach in the next lesson?

The next video will teach viewers about honorifics and polite expressions used when inviting others, providing the reverse scenario of what was covered in this lesson.