Japanese Words and Their Backstories351

The Japanese language is a rich and complex one, with a vast vocabulary that has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries. As a result, many Japanese words have interesting and unusual backstories. Here are 15 of the most fascinating:

1. ありがとう (arigatō)

This is the most common way to say "thank you" in Japanese. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 有り難し (arigatashi), which means "it is difficult to have." This phrase was originally used to express gratitude for something that was rare or difficult to obtain. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to express thanks.

すみません (sumimasen)

This word is used to apologize for something. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 済みません (sumimasen), which means "it is not finished." This phrase was originally used to apologize for not being able to complete a task. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to apologize for any kind of mistake.

こんにちは (konnichiwa)

This is the most common way to say "hello" in Japanese. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 今日和 (kyō wa), which means "today is good." This phrase was originally used to greet someone on a good day. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say hello.

さようなら (sayōnara)

This is the most common way to say "goodbye" in Japanese. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 左様なら (sayōnara), which means "if that is the way it is." This phrase was originally used to express resignation to something that was happening. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say goodbye.

いただきます (itadakimasu)

This is the phrase that is said before eating a meal in Japan. It is thought to have originated from the phrase いただきます (itadakimasu), which means "I receive." This phrase was originally used to express gratitude for the food that was being eaten. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say grace before a meal.

ごちそうさま (gochisōsama)

This is the phrase that is said after eating a meal in Japan. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 御馳走様 (gochisōsama), which means "it was a great meal." This phrase was originally used to express gratitude to the host for the meal that had been provided. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say thank you after a meal.

お早うございます (ohayō gozaimasu)

This is the most common way to say "good morning" in Japanese. It is thought to have originated from the phrase お早う存じます (ohayō zonjimasu), which means "I know it is early." This phrase was originally used to greet someone in the early morning. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say good morning.

こんばんは (konbanwa)

This is the most common way to say "good evening" in Japanese. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 今晩は (konban wa), which means "this evening." This phrase was originally used to greet someone in the evening. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say good evening.

おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai)

This is the most common way to say "good night" in Japanese. It is thought to have originated from the phrase 御休みなさい (oyasumi nasai), which means "please rest." This phrase was originally used to wish someone a good night's sleep. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say good night.

いただきます (itadakimasu)

This is the phrase that is said after eating a meal in Japan. It is thought to have originated from the phrase いただきます (itadakimasu), which means "I receive." This phrase was originally used to express gratitude for the food that had been eaten. Over time, it came to be used more generally as a way to say thank you after a meal.