Exercise 1:Thanks and Apologies in Japanese

u In Japanese, feelings of apology and gratitude are closely intertwined.They are best understood as being on a continuum rather than reflecting two separate feelings.So, be aware of this strategy ofusing an overlapping concepts and expressions of apology and thanks.

Feeling apologeticFeeling thankful

Mixed feelings of apology & thanks

Review More Information in Apology Unit

u Arigatouis the most prototypical expression of thanks, and it cannot be used for apology.Gomen(nasai)is a common expression of an apology, although this expression can denote “thanks” as well.

u Another strategy is to be aware ofhow many times expressions of apology and thanks are typically usedin Japanese.The number may generally be higher in Japanese than in English.

u Throughout this unit, the term “an expression of thanks” may often overlap expressions and feelings of apology.

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