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Exercise 1: Thanks and Apologies in Japanese

 

As an introduction to “thanks” in Japanese, let’s first note that expressions and feelings of thanks and apologies are very much intertwined in Japanese. What seems to be common is the feeling of indebtedness - feeling apologetic for the trouble you caused on the one hand, and feeling grateful for the favor you received on the other. What language do native speakers use to express such mixed feelings?

Look at the following description of each situation and determine the feeling that native speakers most likely experience.  Then, listen to the sample dialogue to find out what language they use to express such feelings.

 

Situation 1

Although you are normally pretty punctual, today you arrive 10 minutes late at a restaurant for lunch with a close friend of yours.

Check the feeling that native speakers are most likely to experience in this situation.

Minimal thanks

Major thanks

Apology and thanks combined

Minimal apology

Major apology

Listen to the sample dialogue and write down the expression(s) of thanks and/or apologies used.

Click to Listen

 

Your section (if applicable)/Your last name, Your first name:
Example: (in a box) 010/Smith, John

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