1. Introduction
Japan is a country with a rich culture, steeped in tradition and etiquette. As such, there are certain things that are considered inappropriate to say in Japan. While some of these taboos may be obvious, others may not be so clear. This article will provide an overview of the things that should not be said in Japan, as well as some cultural taboos to avoid when speaking with Japanese people. It will discuss slang and swear words to avoid, topics related to religion and politics, compliments that could be taken the wrong way, death or illness topics, and money matters.
2. Cultural Taboos in Japan
When speaking with Japanese people, it is important to remember that certain topics are considered taboo and should not be discussed openly or brought up in conversation. These include topics related to sex or sexuality, death or illness, age differences between people, and any kind of physical handicap or disability. It is also important to note that it is considered rude to ask personal questions about someone’s family life or financial situation.
3. Slang and Swear Words to Avoid
In general, it is best to avoid using slang words or swear words when speaking with Japanese people as these can be seen as offensive and disrespectful. Commonly used English swear words should never be used in Japan as they can cause offense and misunderstanding among the locals. Additionally, some slang terms used by young people in North America may have different meanings in Japanese culture and should therefore be avoided when speaking with Japanese people.
4. Don’t Talk About Religion or Politics
Religion and politics are two very sensitive subjects that should generally be avoided when conversing with Japanese people as they can lead to misunderstandings or even arguments if discussed inappropriately. Additionally, it is important to remember that religious beliefs vary greatly among different areas of Japan so it would be wise not to make any assumptions about the beliefs of the person you are speaking with unless explicitly stated otherwise by them first.
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5. Avoid Compliments That Could be Taken the Wrong Way
Complimenting someone on their physical appearance can often lead to confusion or misunderstanding in Japan due to cultural differences between countries on this subject matter. For example, saying “you look beautiful” could potentially come across as offensive depending on who you are talking too so it is best practice for foreigners visiting Japan not to comment on someone’s physical appearance unless explicitly invited too do so by them first.
6. Don’t Talk About Death or Illness
Death and illness are two topics that most cultures consider taboo but this is especially true in Japan where discussing these subjects openly can cause offense among locals due their cultural beliefs surrounding them.Additionally,talking about death could potentially bring up painful memories for some which could lead them feeling uncomfortable so it would best practice for foreigners visiting Japan not talk about these topics unless explicitly invited too do so by them first.
7 Refrain from Discussing Money Matters Openly
Money matters such as income,salary,wealth etc are also considered taboo subjects when conversing with Japanese people.In general,money matters should only ever discussed amongst close friends and family members.Asking someone about their income level could potentially come across as rude depending on who you are talking too so it would best practice for foreigners visiting Japan not talk about these topics unless explicitly invited too do so by them first.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,there are certain things that should not said when conversing with Japanese people due cultural taboos,slang words / swear words that may cause offense,religious / political discussions,compliments taken the wrong way,death / illness topic discussions & money matters.It is therefore important for foreigners visiting Japan understand & respect local customs & etiquette before engaging conversation with locals.
9 References
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1) https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k10012451801000/k10012451801000-202012150958_202012150956_202012150956_1_1-1-1-1-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-.html 2) https://www3elearningnetjp/en/cultural_differences/japanese_culture_taboo_topics 3) https://wwwjapantimescojp/life/2019/08/22/language/what-not-say-japan/#:~:text=Topics%20related%20to%20sex%20or%20sexuality%E3%80%81death%20or%20illness%E3%80%81age&text=It’s%20also%20important%20to%20note
What is disrespectful to Japanese?
Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Dont show affection in public like hugging or patting him on the back. Do not move with your index finger. The Japanese stretch their right arm forward bend their wrist and bend their fingers.
Is saying no rude in Japan?
The Japanese word for no is nothing (iie) or the more familiar iya. However not being listened to or being listened to is generally unacceptable to the Japanese. Negative answers are often turned into negative questions using the negative form of the verb.
Is it rude to hug in Japan?
Never hug or kiss. In Japan touching another persons body is considered impolite even by friends or family. Hugs and kisses are mostly for couples.
Does Japanese have any swears?
Technically Japanese doesnt actually have any swear words. Instead youll find most Japanese curse words or ways to curse in Japanese using more common words or phrases and adding or changing some words to suit your pronunciation.
Does the F word exist in Japan?
くそ (Kuso) Kuso is a more common way of saying sh*t or f*ck than chikusho (6). Like Chikushu (11) its a versatile word that can be used in many different ways. Interestingly it is one of the most common words used by foreigners and new Japanese.
Why is eye contact rude in Japan?
In fact in Japanese culture people are taught not to make eye contact with others as too much eye contact is generally considered disrespectful. For example Japanese children are taught to look at other peoples necks and this can cause other peoples eyes to still be in their peripheral vision.
