Learning a language goes beyond memorizing vocabulary or translating words mechanically. It involves understanding the cultural context and how words are used in everyday situations. This cultural learning often takes time and can be surprising, especially when words appear similar on the surface but carry distinct meanings or usages.

Take the word sumimasen (すみません) in Japanese, for example. When I first arrived in Japan from Italy, I understood it could mean “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me.” However, I couldn’t grasp why Japanese people used it so frequently to apologize, even in situations where it clearly wasn’t their fault.

In Italy—and many Western countries—apologies like “sorry” are used as a direct admission of responsibility. Saying “sorry” often implies that you, personally, made a mistake. It wouldn’t make sense to apologize unless you were at fault.

In Japan, however, sumimasen isn’t limited to acknowledging fault. I was mystified until a friend explained: Japanese people use sumimasen to acknowledge the feelings of others, even when they aren’t responsible. It’s a way to show empathy and smooth interpersonal interactions rather than admit guilt. Once I understood this cultural nuance, it made sense, and I started using sumimasen more naturally in daily conversations in Japanese.

However, I would advise Japanese learners of English to be cautious when using “sorry” with Westerners. It is not a direct translation of すみません. If you say “sorry” in situations where you’re not at fault, it might be misunderstood as an admission of responsibility—a significant cultural difference that could lead to confusion.

Other Words with Cultural Differences

Another fascinating example is the Japanese word yoroshiku (よろしく) and its phrase yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします). In English, there’s no direct equivalent. On the surface, it might be translated as “Please take care of me” or “Thank you in advance,” but these translations fail to capture its full meaning.

Yoroshiku is often used to convey goodwill, gratitude, and a request for cooperation, all wrapped into one. For instance, when starting a new job or project, you might say yoroshiku onegaishimasu to express hope for a good working relationship. In English, you’d likely express this sentiment differently, using phrases like “I’m looking forward to working with you” or “Thank you for your support.”

As a result, English-speaking people who study Japanese often struggle to understand when and how to use yoroshiku, while Japanese speakers learning English often struggle to translate this term and fully convey its meaning. This tension highlights how certain expressions reflect deeply ingrained social customs, and how it is necessary to understand their cultural context in order to effectively communicate their meaning to speakers of different languages.

Bridging the Gap

Learning these nuances requires time, observation, and often direct explanations from native speakers. By recognizing the cultural meanings behind words like sumimasen and yoroshiku, language learners can avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively.

For Japanese learners of English, understanding when not to use “sorry” or how to express gratitude without yoroshiku is essential. Similarly, for English learners of Japanese, appreciating the social context of these words will enhance fluency and foster smoother interactions.

Language is as much about culture as it is about vocabulary. Embracing these cultural differences makes the learning process richer and more rewarding.

(By Martina Bottazo)