Choose an appropriate apology, proportional to the degree of guilt. Append "sumimasen" ["excuse me/I'm sorry"].
An interesting and informative video on shazai ("apology") in Japan. The "perpetual ojigi" is a personal favorite, but the "predominantly used by ninja" bow on one knee is also pretty cool ("be wary of approaching enemies!").
Now you too can grovel with the best!
I teach a lot of Japanese kids and have taken to nodding a lot. Now I'm all confused, am I greeting or apologising! Aaah.
ReplyDeleteVerillion, I think you're catching on!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, V, I'm sorry for mis-spelling your name (I think I've done it more than once). Without my glasses on those 'i's and the 'l' kinda blur into one another.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I have so much to learn.
ReplyDeleteI thought I had groveling and apologizing down, but no, no, no, I have such a long way to go. . .
GT, I'd be happy to provide you (for a fee, of course!) with a few "groveling" lessons (er, in case you ever come to Japan).
ReplyDeleteOoops! I knew I was missing something! But this is the ultimate lesson for somebody who is in touch with the Mitsubishi representatives in my country. Tnx a lot for the lesson!! =D
ReplyDeleteUsual Stuff, just remember to say "sumimasen" a lot!
ReplyDelete