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Home » Asia » Why do Japanese say hello twice?

Why do Japanese say hello twice?

December 14, 2021 by Bo Lang

Ghosts have a long history in Japanese culture – they are called 妖怪 (youkai). According to the historian, saying ‘Moshi Moshi’ twice was the way to prove you were not a ghost. Apparently ghosts can only say ‘Moshi’ once! So, what happens if a ghost calls out to you…’Moshi’…and you turn around to answer..?

Contents

Why can’t foxes say Moshi Moshi?

There is a legend that kitsune (shape-shifting fox-spirits) cannot say “moshi moshi ” , so if someone answers with that phrase, you know she must be a real human being – or at least not a kitsune.

What does Moshimoshi mean?

Hello
“Moshi Moshi” as “Hello”

Why do people in Japan say Moshi Moshi?

In short, magical foxes (called kitsune in Japan) are powerful and nasty creatures. They can shapeshift, create illusions, and love to screw people over. So if a malevolent kitsune were calling you on the phone, it would be bad news. That’s why Japanese people started to say “moshi moshi” when answering the telephone.

What do you reply to Moshi Moshi?

A professional way to answer the phone is: hai, はい、○○でございます (○○ de gozaimasu), “This is XX.” Or: お電話ありがとうございます (o-denwa arigatō gozaimasu), “Thank you for calling.” To ask someone to please hold, you can say: ちょっと待ってください (chotto matte kudasai), or more honorifically in keigo: 少々お待ちくださいませ (shōshō o-machi kudasaimase).

What is Daijoubu desu ka?

daijoubu desu = i’m fine, i’m alright, it’s ok.. ( you reply back to someone or that someone asking you) daijoubu desu ka? = are you alright?, are you okay? (

What does Kun mean in Japanese?

Kun (君【くん】) is generally used by people of senior status addressing or referring to those of junior status, or it can be used when referring to men in general, male children or male teenagers, or among male friends.

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What does Mochi mean in Japan?

: a doughlike mass made from cooked and pounded glutinous rice used in Japan as an unbaked pastry.

Do Japanese Add SAN to first or last name?

As a rule of thumb, in Japanese business life, the surname name is always followed by the honorific suffix “san” (meaning “dear” or actually “honorable Mr/Ms.”). There are of course many other options such as “sama” (highly revered customer or company manager) or “sensei” (Dr. or professor).

What desu means?

to be
Desu is a polite Japanese linking verb meaning “to be” as well other forms of the verb. Western fans of anime and manga sometimes add it to the end of sentences to sound cute and imitate Japanese.

Is Arigato Japanese?

In Japan, arigato is a simple way of saying “thank you” among familiars or peers. Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture, so be mindful that there are more formal ways to say “thank you” to superiors or elders (e.g., arigato gozaimasu, which is a more polite way of saying thanks).

Does Sayonara mean goodbye forever?

The true meaning of sayonara
Many people translate “Sayonara” as “Goodbye”, but in reality, there are many different forms of goodbye in Japanese! Unlike the English, “Sayonara” really means “Goodbye forever” or “Goodbye, I don’t know when I’ll see you again”. Because of this, Japanese people will rarely use the word.

How do you answer a phone call in Japan?

Answering the phone. When answering a personal call on your own phone, the standard way to answer the phone is simply, 「もしもし」 (moshi moshi) which is the equivalent of the English “Hello”.

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What do Japanese say when you leave a store?

Konbini Man illustration by Junko Nonoue. The phrase “Irasshaimase!” is a more polite version of irasshai, an imperative form of the honorific verb irassharu (いらっしゃる) which means “to be/come/go”.

Is Dattebayo a real word?

The Japanese expression dattebayo [だってばよ] is usually used by the protagonist Naruto at the end of his sentences. If you usually watch subtitled you will notice that there is no correct translation for that word. The expression dattebayo it is nothing but an emphasis on what he just said.

What does Taki mas mean in Japanese?

It’s often translated as “I humbly receive,” but in a mealtime setting, it’s compared to “Let’s eat,” “Bon appétit,” or “Thanks for the food.” Some even liken it to the religious tradition of saying grace before eating.

What does ONII Chan mean?

older brother
oniichan: meaning “older brother” more closer. oniisama: meaning “older brother” more formal. oneesan: meaning “older sister” oneechan: meaning “older sister” more closer.

Why do Japanese say San after a name?

It’s a suffix meant to show respect, so it often works like “Mr.” or “Ms.” would in English. But –san can be tacked onto a given name too, as a way of showing courtesy when speaking to or about someone.

What does Ora Ora mean in Japanese?

Single Ora オラ In Japanese, a single ora オラ is a way to call for somebody’s attention. A yell, like “oi!” or “ayy!” or “hey!” or whatever. It gets used toward children or animals when they’re doing something improper. You could translate it as “watch out” or “stop that!” depending on the situation.

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What is dango in Japan?

Dango (団子) is a Japanese dumpling made from rice flour mixed with uruchi rice flour and glutinous rice flour. It is different from the method of making mochi, which is made after steaming glutinous rice.Generally, dango comes under the category of wagashi, and is often served with green tea.

What is sushi in Japanese?

Sushi is a popular Japanese dish made from seasoned rice with fish, egg, or vegetables.Sushi comes from a Japanese word meaning “sour rice,” and it’s the rice that’s at the heart of sushi, even though most Americans think of it as raw fish. In fact, it’s the word sashimi that refers to a piece of raw fish.

Filed Under: Asia

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About Bo Lang

Bo Lang loves exploring the world. A self-proclaimed "adventurer," Bo has spent his life traveling to new and exciting places. He's climbed mountains, explored jungles, and sailed across the ocean. He's even eaten the beating heart of a king cobra!

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