Gengo - Language & culture https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/ Translation Service Fri, 07 Feb 2025 07:00:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://gengo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gengo-lb.png Gengo - Language & culture https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/ 32 32 Japanese to English translation tips: Avoiding false cognates https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/japanese-english-translation-tips-avoiding-false-cognates/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/japanese-english-translation-tips-avoiding-false-cognates/#respond Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/japanese-english-translation-tips-avoiding-false-cognates/ Unlike translating between languages from the same family, a pitfall in Japanese to English translation is false cognates, where the target word is unmoored from its original context. Usually, when we think about false cognates within the same language family, such as in Indo-European languages, we are talking about words that come from the same […]

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Unlike translating between languages from the same family, a pitfall in Japanese to English translation is false cognates, where the target word is unmoored from its original context.

Usually, when we think about false cognates within the same language family, such as in Indo-European languages, we are talking about words that come from the same root, but have evolved to mean something different. This is often the case between French and English, German and English, and Dutch and English, to name a few. Consider French ancien, which usually means “former,” but could be mistaken to mean “ancient” (which it also sometimes refers to) if we rely on the English term ancient as our point of reference.

Japanese, by contrast, has liberally adopted many loanwords from English and other languages and applied them to entirely different contexts, sometimes only retaining a trace of the original idea. We cannot use the English as a clue, as oftentimes there is no correspondence.

Consider the term ナイーブ, which at first blush seems to mean innocent or inexperienced. Surely a word as specific as naïve is being used in its original meaning, right? In fact, no — ナイーブ generally implies “sensitive,” as in overreacting to something. Take this sentence from the Tanaka Corpus:

JA: 昨日の喧嘩を気にしてるの？意外にナイーブなのね。
EN: Are you still letting last night’s fight bother you? You’re surprisingly sensitive.

Perhaps naïve was borrowed here to mean, “being so inexperienced as to get worked up about something,” but we cannot know. The usage has spun off on its own, or what Japanese would call 一人歩き.

A Japanese speaker is instantly familiar with this term, but a translator speaking English as a native language may have strong interference from English and not even notice that this is a loanword.

At first blush, translating the above as:

“Are you still letting last night’s fight bother you? You’re awfully naïve.”

would not seem wrong — in fact, this is a believable sentence, but it misses the point.

Another example is クレーム, meaning “complaint,” but seemingly derived from “insurance claim.” This often appears in day-to-day correspondence, and saying that “a customer has a claim” obscures the urgency of the fact that a complaint has in fact been raised.

One distinction is loanwords that deal with taxonomy and specify a category that does not exist in English. For example, employment regulations and labor documents often discuss categories of worker, such as 正社員 (full-time), 契約社員　(contract worker), 派遣社員 (temp worker), アルバイト (part-time), and パート (also part-time). Notice that the last two are seemingly synonyms — why make any distinction? In Japanese, アルバイト (from the German arbeit, meaning work) is seen as part-time workers of high school or college age who are not adult members of the workforce; パート is seen as adult workers working a side job on a part-time basis. We would refer to both of these workers as “part-time” in English, but the categories may be subject to different terms of employment, so you would have to further define what type of worker is being talked about due to liability issues. Outside of labor agreements, it would make sense to combine these two into one term for readability:

「アルバイト・パートを募集中」
“Seeking part-time workers, all ages.”

Notice how we can capture the age distinction without having to specifically translate out both terms, as they are both, for the purposes of English, part-timers.

Another taxonomy issue that may be familiar to you is what the de facto name for something is in a given region. Users of the popular LINE chat app download expressive スタンプ and send these to each other, but on the English version of the app and other chat tools, these are called “stickers,” not “stamps.” Interestingly, ステッカー is seldom used to refer to stickers, be they on LINE or otherwise; stickers are usually referred to as シール.

A conservative approach would be to research every loanword you come across, no matter how familiar it may look — the results may surprise you.

However, as the above indicates, oftentimes the best solution is a real-world, spoken familiarity with Japanese in order to know these terms like the back of your hand. Japanese is fast-moving with respect to neologisms and loanwords, and they are constantly appearing and evolving. Serious translators keep their ears to the ground to stay abreast of these changes.

 

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/japanese-english-translation-tips-avoiding-false-cognates/feed/ 0 How to maintain and improve language proficiency for your career https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/maintain-improve-language-proficiency-career/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/maintain-improve-language-proficiency-career/#respond Tue, 20 Feb 2018 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/maintain-improve-language-proficiency-career/ Learning a foreign language entails a great deal of motivation and hard work. But the next big challenge stems from maintaining language proficiency and keeping skills fresh, particularly when language is your source of income. Even when you’ve reached a level of fluency, most language learners must keep finding ways to use and practice what […]

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Learning a foreign language entails a great deal of motivation and hard work. But the next big challenge stems from maintaining language proficiency and keeping skills fresh, particularly when language is your source of income. Even when you’ve reached a level of fluency, most language learners must keep finding ways to use and practice what they’ve learned.

Here are some ways and strategies to maintain proficiency in any language:

1. Be consistent

Maintaining language proficiency is about being focused, consistent, and making good learning habits stick. Like muscles, language skills must be used consistently to prevent deterioration. This quote summarizes it best: “If you are persistent, you’ll get it. If you are consistent, you’ll keep it.” Doing a language activity on a regular basis can make a big difference.

One of the language learning tips we previously recommended is to make learning a part of your daily life. Listen to music and podcasts during your morning commute, read for at least 15 minutes a day, or review vocabulary every night. With the availability of ingenious language learning tools, it’s much easier to review and re-learn at your own convenience. Setting a daily reminder for review helps a lot, too.

These tips also apply to multilinguals living overseas who are exposed to a foreign language and seldom use their mother tongue. Your native language needs maintenance, too, because you can also lose proficiency after a period of time. Read the daily news in your native language, have regular conversations and video calls with friends and family, watch the latest movies, and listen to your favorite songs.

2. Overcome the learning plateau

Most language learners hit learning plateaus and become uncertain on what to do next. They end up feeling like they’re not progressing anymore and stop learning as quickly. This slump often happens to those who have reached an intermediate level of fluency. It’s unavoidable but the good news is, it’s possible to rise above it.

The trick to keeping enthusiasm high is to use creative techniques and strategies. Watch TV shows and movies without subtitles. Write a short story. Challenge yourself and keep learning expressions, idioms, and colloquial terms. Languages evolve so there will always be new vocabulary and expressions to learn and acquire. Keep yourself in the know by speaking to people from different age groups. Aim to increase the depth and breadth of your vocabulary to overcome the plateau and you’ll be surprised at how much more you have yet to learn.

Focus on your problem areas and strive to improve your weak points. If you struggle with speaking, find opportunities to talk with a native speaker online or in person by joining meetups with expats or becoming a local tour guide. If you’re shy, practice speaking by yourself by either singing in front of a mirror or repeating after your favorite actors on TV. Your mouth is a muscle, you just need to move it to practice your speaking! Finally, if writing is not your forte, try keeping a journal every day.

3. Reassess your long-term goals

Setting clear and realistic goals can motivate you to stick to good learning habits until it becomes a part of your routine. Are you planning to take a proficiency exam in a few years? Do you want to become a language instructor for kids? Are you aiming to become a certified translator someday? Or do you wish to translate in more than one language pair? These are only some of the goals that will drive you to keep learning and improving your language skills.

Particularly if you earn an income from your language abilities, exerting a focused effort to maintain and improve your skills is mandatory. Improving your second language skills can lead to other sources of income. For instance, if you’re translating into your native language now, you may strive to improve your skills so you can eventually translate into your second language. Once you’re proficient, you can start to market that skill and earn more money.

In addition, you may eventually venture into other freelancing jobs, such as content writing, editing, and copywriting in your first or second language. So never stop learning and building your skills to open new doors in your career!

How do you keep your language skills fresh? Do you have other tips to share? Tell us in the comments!

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/maintain-improve-language-proficiency-career/feed/ 0 How to write the ideal translator’s CV https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/how-to-write-ideal-translator-cv/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/how-to-write-ideal-translator-cv/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/how-to-write-ideal-translator-cv/ Gengo is a stepping stone for many new freelance translators who are trying to gain more experience and opportunities to hone their craft. Once you’ve acquired valuable translation know-how, you’ll be ready to embrace more challenges and apply to other translation agencies. Crafting a strong, organized, and persuasive CV is the first step you should […]

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]]> Gengo is a stepping stone for many new freelance translators who are trying to gain more experience and opportunities to hone their craft. Once you’ve acquired valuable translation know-how, you’ll be ready to embrace more challenges and apply to other translation agencies. Crafting a strong, organized, and persuasive CV is the first step you should take to increase your chances of working with more clients and landing more interesting projects. Market your translation services better with our tips and guidelines.

1. Be clear and concise

As with any form of written communication, always have your target audience in mind. Project managers and HR personnel are busy professionals who receive countless applications so craft yours to stand out right away. Start by clearly stating your language pair/s in the title, for example, “Experienced Italian to English translator”. Make sure your CV is well-structured and use subheadings in bold to improve readability. There are easy-to-download templates to help you create a professional and organized résumé. The top third part should highlight your most recent work experience, your skills and area of expertise.

Below are the essential elements of a translator’s CV:

  • Professional summary and certifications
  • Areas of specialization
  • Skills
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Portfolio/published work
  • Hobbies & interests (optional)
Try to keep your CV to two pages and remove irrelevant information—recruiters only take around six seconds to scan a CV. To declutter your resume, exclude unnecessary personal details such as your birthday and home address. But do include your Skype ID for online interviews, and links to your portfolio, LinkedIn and ProZ profiles, as well as your blog if it’s industry-related and work appropriate.

2. Highlight your strengths

Tailor your CV to meet the requirements of the client by highlighting your areas of specialization and emphasizing what you can contribute to the company or project. Your professional summary should emphasize both your hard and soft skills, and your certifications should also be front and center. Incorporate valuable strong points such as reliability, good time management, and excellent communication skills. It is best to list your specialty or niche to let the company or client know what you’re good at and to help them identify projects that match your skills and strengths. If you don’t have a niche yet, include the topics and fields you’re passionate about. Saying you can translate any topic well is a no-no because typically you won’t be picked for any project.

Here’s an example of a good professional summary:

Native French speaker. Master’s Degree in French as a foreign language. Certified English-French translator with a strong business writing background and years of experience translating for ecommerce sites. Proficient in English and French with outstanding verbal, written, and editing skills. A good multitasker and quick learner who is knowledgeable in online translation and project management tools.

3. Prove your expertise

Your work experience—the main bulk of your CV—should demonstrate and support the statements you’ve provided in your professional summary. In this section, provide concrete examples to show how you have contributed to your previous companies or projects. Describe your notable translation projects, their word counts, and the language pair/s. If possible, mention the clients. If you can’t name the companies or brands due to NDA restrictions, a brief description of the business and the kinds of text you’ve translated will suffice.

For example:

✓ [English to French] Translation and proofreading of 500,000 units of website and marketing content for various translation agencies, including Gengo.com ✗ I worked for Gengo.com for three years Or you can go into more detail: Various clients for Gengo.com [English to French]
  • Translated over 40,000 units of user-generated content for a leading travel review website
  • Translated subtitles for seven full-length movies from major Hollywood studios from English to Japanese
  • Translated over 50,000 units of product descriptions for a leading ecommerce fashion website in Europe
Make sure your published works are prominently listed since these are more credible and could be considered as career accomplishments. If your work is online, share the URLs and hyperlinks, but choose them wisely. There’s no need to attach translation examples to your CV unless specifically requested. Lastly, some companies appreciate references from your past project managers and companies. Gengo translators can obtain a reference letter by contacting our Support team. Or, including “References available upon request” at the end of your CV is often sufficient. Stating your hobbies and interests is optional, though some applicants do it to reveal their personalities. We hope these tips help you to give a good first impression and land you more freelance projects in the future. What other tips and advice would you share to those who are just starting out in the translation industry? We’d love to hear from you!

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/how-to-write-ideal-translator-cv/feed/ 0 Five unique Japanese traditions in autumn https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/five-unique-japanese-traditions-autumn/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/five-unique-japanese-traditions-autumn/#respond Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/five-unique-japanese-traditions-autumn/ As ancient and traditional as Japan is, there are a multitude of sights, sounds, and tastes associated with each season, and fall is no exception. After the oppressive heat and humidity of summer, people start opening their windows, turning off their A/C’s, and spending as much time outdoors as they can before winter comes. Here are […]

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]]> As ancient and traditional as Japan is, there are a multitude of sights, sounds, and tastes associated with each season, and fall is no exception. After the oppressive heat and humidity of summer, people start opening their windows, turning off their A/C’s, and spending as much time outdoors as they can before winter comes. Here are five Japanese traditions intrinsically linked to autumn.

Koyo (autumn leaves)

Being a land of mountains and forests, koyo (紅葉) is a great excuse to get out of the city and enjoy nature’s beauty throughout Japan. While yellow and orange leaves are common, these kanji can also be read as momiji (Japanese maple), a tree whose crimson autumn leaves are symbolic of the season. Locals and travelers enjoy the brilliant colors everywhere in the country, but a few of the most scenic spots are Shirakaba Highlands in Nagano, Ryuzu Falls in Nikko, and the Mitake Canyon in Tokyo.

Aki matsuri (fall festivals)

Like in summer when natsu matsuri (夏祭) or summer festivals are popular, the autumn season also sees many major festivals across the country often to thank the gods for a good harvest, a practice based on an ancient imperial ritual called Niiname-sai (新嘗祭). Different Shinto shrines hold their celebrations on varying dates.

A typical aki matsuri on the streets of Kichijoji in Tokyo. Image from Wikimedia Commons

Sumo (sumo wrestling)

Sumo (相撲), the national sport of Japan, is ritualized wrestling whose origins lie in ancient Shinto myths. The last two major sumo (相撲) events of the year occur in the fall. In September, Tokyo hosts its Grand Tournament, while Fukuoka is home to the final Grand Tournament in November. These events run for a full 15 days and can be watched on TV or sometimes at small, local Japanese style pubs called izakaya (居酒屋). However, nothing beats watching sumo live at a major wrestling hall. Since the next season doesn’t start until January the next year, diehard fans and even casual fans follow the sport particularly closely during autumn.
sumo wrestling japan

A gyoji (sumo referee) arbitrates the match between two wrestlers on the dohyo (ring). Image by Hatch.m via Flickr under CC

Tsukimi (moon viewing)

The ancient practice of going to special locations to enjoy food and drink under the harvest moon was called tsukimi (月見). Unfortunately, in the era of TV and modern entertainment, this tradition has more or less died out. However, the image of the full moon and rice inflorescence ready to be picked continues to be a well-known visual for autumn in Japan. It even has its own emoji (go ahead, look for it!) While few people have moon viewing parties these days, traditional snacks made from pounded sweet rice and shaped like a bright full moon, tsukimi dango, are popular during this season.

The image of the full moon and the rice stalk signifies autumn in Japan. Image source

Tabemono (food)

Food in autumn isn’t all relegated to moon viewing. In fact, many people feel that fall is the best season for tabemono (食べ物). The first thing that comes to mind is sanma (秋刀魚) also called Pacific saury, a fish whose kanji mean “autumn-katana-fish” – katana being a reference to its shape. The kanji are rarely used, but the association with autumn is clear. Matsutake (松茸) mushrooms are everywhere this season and are often included in nabe (鍋), a simple hot pot dish. Kaki (柿) or persimmon and nashi (梨) or pear are popular autumn fruit desserts. One uniquely Japanese delicacy is ginnan (銀杏) also known as gingko seeds. These grape-sized soft, fleshy seeds are grilled, salted, and perfectly complement sake or beer. Just the right snack to enjoy winding down after a long day.

Persimmons (kaki) hanging to dry in front of a Japanese home. Image by Jeremy Eades via Flickr under CC

What do you love most about autumn in your country? Share them with us in the comments! Main image by Henry Lawford via Flickr under CC

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/five-unique-japanese-traditions-autumn/feed/ 0 Facts you should know about the freelance economy https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/facts-about-the-freelance-economy/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/facts-about-the-freelance-economy/#respond Wed, 04 Oct 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/facts-about-the-freelance-economy/ Freelancing is an increasingly popular trend and if we look at the latest reports and statistics, it’s safe to say that it’s here to stay. As talent becomes increasingly mobile, the freelance economy is transforming workplaces and driving companies to tap into a global talent pool and adopt new technologies. More freelance workplaces and crowdsourcing […]

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Freelancing is an increasingly popular trend and if we look at the latest reports and statistics, it’s safe to say that it’s here to stay. As talent becomes increasingly mobile, the freelance economy is transforming workplaces and driving companies to tap into a global talent pool and adopt new technologies. More freelance workplaces and crowdsourcing platforms are making it easier for the independent workforce to connect with customers and access jobs. Even greater opportunities are available for freelance professionals with diverse skillsets and expertise.

Here are some more facts and figures that are worth noting in the age of side hustles and moonlighting:

1. Freelancers will represent 40% of the U.S. workforce by 2020

According to a comprehensive study commissioned by Freelancers Union and Upwork, 55 million Americans have taken the freelancing route in 2016. That’s an increase of two million freelancers since 2014. With more Fortune 500 giants migrating towards a more flexible, on-demand labor model, more people are predicted to join the freelancing workforce by 2020. Eighty-one percent of full-time employees surveyed are also increasingly open to freelancing to supplement their income.

2. Many of today’s freelance jobs didn’t exist 10 years ago

Technology has created and introduced new jobs over the years. Because of the emergence of tech-related companies and industries, the younger workforce is learning technical skills that their parents might not have even heard of. These popular online jobs in 2017 didn’t even exist a decade ago: social media manager, community manager, user experience designer, virtual assistant, web analyst, mobile app developer, and SEO specialist, to name some. Thanks to online platforms like Gengo, remote work is made easier and collaboration is more feasible between companies and location-independent workers.

freelancer jobs

3. Many workers switched to freelancing out of choice, not necessity

Sixty percent of freelancers surveyed in 2016 said they left their traditional jobs and proactively chose to work independently. When asked what they enjoy most about the freelance life, they cited the following main reasons: the flexibility to work whenever and wherever they want, a good work-life balance, and the opportunity to pursue their passions and learn new things. Growing increasingly popular every year, freelancing is also becoming a long-term career path for many.

4. Half of freelancers won’t switch to traditional jobs no matter how much they’re offered

Freelancers feel more positively about their work, particularly full-time freelancers who enjoy the freedom and flexibility of this lifestyle. Most independent workers believe the intrinsic benefits of freelancing outweigh the extrinsic benefits that traditional 9-5 jobs offer. Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed also said freelancing is better than having a traditional job. Of those who left a full-time job to freelance, over half say that they now earn more than before.

digital nomads

5. More and more companies are engaging freelancers

The corporate world is embracing freelance management technology. These companies also believe that adopting this technology enhances the attraction, engagement, and retention of talent. Global brands, such as Nintendo, General Electric, and Procter & Gamble are turning to freelance marketplaces to find the talent they need to sustain growth. More enterprises are starting to recognize the benefits associated with an on-demand workforce of highly skilled professionals, including faster service and lower costs.

6. Freelancers are less likely to get sick

With the popularity of the open-plan office layout comes a drawback. Forbes explains that employees in open offices take 62% more sick days than those working in cubicles. Studies also show that the more occupants working in a room, the more sick days those people take. But if you’re working at home, you’re less likely to catch a virus by avoiding offices and daily commutes. Freelancers can also control their workload and limit their working hours, and experience lower stress levels.

7. 66% of freelancers think the amount of work online increased in the past year

The demand for freelance services has increased in the past year in the U.S. alone. Reports say that more freelancers are turning to online sources such as social media, freelance marketplaces, and sharing economy sites, and half of those who obtain freelance work online find them in less than three days. Accessibility of jobs and fast turnaround times continue to drive the steadily growing income of freelancers. Having earned an estimated amount of over $1 trillion in 2016, the majority of freelancers in the U.S. believe there will be more opportunities in the future and that their brightest days are ahead.

What do you think about the future of freelancing? Do you see yourself freelancing for a long time? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Main image from Wikimedia Commons under CC

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/facts-about-the-freelance-economy/feed/ 0 Seven amusing Filipino expressions and how to use them https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/seven-amusing-filipino-expressions-and-how-to-use-them/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/seven-amusing-filipino-expressions-and-how-to-use-them/#respond Mon, 28 Aug 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/seven-amusing-filipino-expressions-and-how-to-use-them/ The Philippines has a rich linguistic diversity, with a total of 187 native languages and dialects and two official languages, Filipino and English. Filipino, the national lingua franca based on Tagalog, has evolved in unique ways over time. Originally spoken only in the capital city of Manila and its neighboring provinces, Tagalog spread to other parts […]

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The Philippines has a rich linguistic diversity, with a total of 187 native languages and dialects and two official languages, Filipino and English. Filipino, the national lingua franca based on Tagalog, has evolved in unique ways over time. Originally spoken only in the capital city of Manila and its neighboring provinces, Tagalog spread to other parts of the country through traditional and digital media, local movies, and educational institutions. In celebration of National Language Month (Buwan ng Wika) this August, we’ve put together a list of Filipino expressions and slang used in daily conversations, particularly in the capital region:

1. Anyare?

Meaning/Usage: Short for “Anong nangyari?” (What happened?”), this expression is uttered out of surprise during more lighthearted situations. Asked often rhetorically, this question doesn’t intend to ask what happened per se but WHY something happened.

Example: If you see a close friend or co-worker with a terrible new haircut, you can jokingly say, “Anyare?!”

(Main image above by @samanthavaughan via Twenty20)

2.

Meaning/Usage: An expression of surprise, dismay or frustration when things aren’t going your way. It has no direct translation but it can be used as either a “Sigh!”, “Oh my!”, or an “Oh well!”’

Example: Hay naku, I’m so tired of major traffic jams every day.

3.

Meaning/Usage: “Bahala” is a derivative of the word “Bathala”, the ancient god worshipped by Filipinos during the pre-Spanish colonial period. This expression of surrender or faith also reflects fatalism back then. But in modern society, it is often uttered when things are beyond your control and is the equivalent of “Whatever will be, will be.”

Example: I was supposed to give a presentation with my boss today but she called in sick. Bahala na!

4.

Meaning/Usage: This acronym stands for “kanya-kanyang bayad”, which roughly translates to “pay for yourself”. Filipinos are highly sociable and tend to treat each other during special occasions. This phrase stemmed from the need to clarify if the one organizing a gathering will be paying for everyone’s meals or not.

Example:
Person 1: Let’s go for drinks!
Person 2: Libre mo? (Is it your treat?)
Person 1: No, KKB!

5.

Meaning/Usage: Figuratively speaking, this nasal hemorrhage happens when someone encounters something that’s very difficult to understand and it’s too much for the brain to handle. It is commonly used when a not-so-fluent Filipino speaks English (or any language other than their mother tongue) to a foreigner for extended periods of time or when reading a complex article that’s hard to comprehend.

Example: I’ve been researching about neurobiology since last night. Nosebleed!

6.

Meaning/Usage: Having two official languages made code-switching between Tagalog and English (Taglish) prevalent in the central Philippines. One of the countless Taglish expressions, “Push mo ‘yan!” simply means “Go for it!” Filipinos say it to give support and encouragement to their friends, family, or peers when they’re trying to pursue their goals.

Example: “You do 50 burpees a day?! Push mo ‘yan!”

7.

Meaning/Usage: “Hugot” means to draw or pull something out. This expression (and hashtag) was made popular by the Filipino romantic comedy, That Thing Called Tadhana (fate) in 2014. Since then, “hugot lines” and memes that speak to the brokenhearted and “victims” of unrequited love became a trend on social networks. By quoting these spot-on lines that capture what they’re going through or have gone through, they can draw out certain emotions that they can relate with. It’s no surprise the Philippines is considered one of the most emotional countries in the world.

Example: “My relationship status? Taken…. Taken for granted. #hugot”

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/seven-amusing-filipino-expressions-and-how-to-use-them/feed/ 0 Must-know words for Japanese summer festivals https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/must-know-words-japanese-summer-festivals/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/must-know-words-japanese-summer-festivals/#respond Mon, 19 Jun 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/must-know-words-japanese-summer-festivals/ June marks the beginning of the intensely hot and humid season in Japan. At the same time, and possibly to help cope with this weather, the entire country celebrates countless summer festivals or natsu matsuri (夏祭り) from June to August. These festivals are rooted in ancient Shintō beliefs and practices. However, in the last 70 […]

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]]> June marks the beginning of the intensely hot and humid season in Japan. At the same time, and possibly to help cope with this weather, the entire country celebrates countless summer festivals or natsu matsuri (夏祭り) from June to August. These festivals are rooted in ancient Shintō beliefs and practices. However, in the last 70 years, natsu matsuri have become largely secular events and a great reason to go outside and enjoy the sights, sounds, rituals, and foods of the year’s liveliest and loudest season. Here are some words and elements that make Japanese summer festivals extraordinary:

Matsuri/Kami

Usually translated as “festival,” the word matsuri (祭り) is derived from the verb matsuru (祭る) which means “to enshrine,” “worship,” or “celebrate the memory of.” Traditionally, the objects of enshrinement are heavenly or earthly individuals revered as kami (神), or spiritual beings. It’s a vague term for most, but in general terms, a kami is a Shintō or Buddhist spirit worthy of enshrinement, worship, or celebration. In the native cosmology, Japan is the Shinkoku Land of the Kami (神国) – usually translated as the Land of the Gods – because there are millions of kami everywhere. The tradition of matsuri grew out of ancient spiritual practices revering the tutelary kami of a local village or clan.

Mikoshi

Because kami are believed to be fickle or engaged in their own activities, getting their attention is of the utmost importance. During a matsuri, many Shintō shrines will transfer their kami to a portable shrine called mikoshi (御輿). The revelry of locals should be enough to attract the attention of the spirit, but just in case that’s not enough, the mikoshi is paraded through the streets of the neighborhood. The parishioners carry the portable shrine and shake it rhythmically while chanting and cheering to both entertain the kami as well as keep his or her attention.

Men carrying a mikoshi across a river. Image by Satomi Kuki

Dashi

During the Edo Period, the practice of building large decorative wagons or floats called dashi (山車) spread throughout the country. Some wagons feature huge depictions of historical personages and famous ancient kami. In Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri, brilliant, illuminated scenes of Japanese mythology are paraded through the streets. At Hachiōji’s summer festival, the dashi wagons usually house musicians and dancers who work the crowd into a frenzy. To modern eyes, all of this is for the revelers, but historically, the purpose was getting the attention of the enshrined kami, worship, and celebration.

Bon Odori

Another prominent feature of matsuri in the late summer are Bon Odori (盆踊り), ritualized dance performances. These lively dances were performed during the O-bon season, when the spirits of a family’s ancestors returned home. However today, they are part of the overall sights and sounds of summer festivals. Each region has its own music and traditional garb, so the events tend to be visually and sonically intense.

Men and women dancing around the stage during bon odori. Image by Miki Yoshihito via Wikimedia Commons under CC.

Yukata/Geta

Lastly, one of the most fun parts of participating in a summer matsuri is dressing up in traditional clothes. The most popular garment is the yukata (浴衣), a light summer kimono. For men, it usually consists of a solid color with a simple contrasting belt called an obi (帯) . On the other hand, women’s yukata are often brightly colored with summer-themed prints like flowers and fireworks, and their obi are wider and sport large, decorative bows tied around their backs. These outfits can be completed with a pair of geta (下駄), a kind of traditional wooden shoe that makes a clip-clop sound when walking on pavement, which just adds to all the other noise and excitement of a Japanese summer festival. Do you celebrate summer festivals in your country? If yes, we’d love to see some photos and hear about them below! Main image by Kaztima109 via Wikimedia Commons under CC

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/must-know-words-japanese-summer-festivals/feed/ 0 Endearing ways to say “Father” around the world https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/endearing-ways-say-father-around-world/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/endearing-ways-say-father-around-world/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/endearing-ways-say-father-around-world/ First celebrated in 1910 to recognize the important role of fathers and to complement Mother’s Day, Father’s Day only became a permanent national holiday in the U.S. in 1972. It has been annually observed every third Sunday of June ever since. Today, several countries worldwide have adopted the American holiday that typically involves spending time […]

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]]> First celebrated in 1910 to recognize the important role of fathers and to complement Mother’s Day, Father’s Day only became a permanent national holiday in the U.S. in 1972. It has been annually observed every third Sunday of June ever since. Today, several countries worldwide have adopted the American holiday that typically involves spending time and getting in touch with one’s father or father figure, and giving greeting cards or gifts. To mark Father’s Day, we asked Gengo staff from 16 nationalities and compiled the different endearing ways to call one’s father around the world:

Japan

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Oto-san (お父さん), To-san (父さん), Papa (パパ), Oyaji (親父), Oto-chan (お父ちゃん), To-chan (父ちゃん)
In Japan, parents are at the top of the family hierarchy so children often use the most respectable form oto-san, when addressing their fathers or referring to someone else’s father. Papa is a friendlier and more affectionate term, while oya-ji, which translates to “old man”, is a very informal way to refer to one’s father when talking to someone else outside the family.

Italy

Celebrates Father’s Day on: March 19
  • Papa, Pà, Babbo (in some regions like Tuscany)
Largely influenced by Christianity, Italy celebrates Festa del Papà on the feast day of Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ.

U.S./Canada

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Dad, Daddy, Papa
Father’s Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washington to honor her father, an American Civil War veteran and a single parent who raised six children.

Image by @SBphoto via Twenty20

 

Singapore

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Papa, Pa, Daddy, Bapa (Malay), Appa (Tamil)
In Singapore, family members often treat fathers to a satisfying meal at local hawker centers, restaurants, or hotels on this special day.

France/Belgium

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June (France), second Sunday of June (Belgium, except for Antwerp that honors fathers on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day)
  • Papa
In these countries, children usually greet their fathers, “Bonne Fête, Papa” and give them a small token of appreciation, like a handkerchief or a tie.

Taiwan

Celebrates Father’s Day on: August 8
  • 爸爸 (bàbà), 爸嗶 (bàbì), 爹地 (diē-di), 父親 (fùqīn), 爹 (diē), 多桑 (To-san)
In Taiwan, Father’s Day is not an official holiday but is now widely observed on August 8 as the Chinese word for eight is “ba” and the colloquial word for father is “ba-ba” – so the eighth day of the eighth month sounds similar to “Daddy”.

Australia

Celebrates Father’s Day on: first Sunday of September
  • Dad, Daddy, Father, Papa, Pa
Father’s Day is observed on the first Sunday of spring in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.

Image by Aleksander Nakic via iStock

 

Spain

Celebrates Father’s Day on: March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day)
  • Papá, Papi
Like many European countries, El Día del Padre is also celebrated in Spain on the feast day of St. Joseph. On this day, loved ones give gifts or take their fathers to a nice meal in a restaurant to express their gratitude and affection.

Russia

Celebrates Father’s Day on: February 23
  • Папа (Papa), папочка (Papochka),папуля (Papulya), папенька (Papen’ka)
In Russia, the equivalent of Father’s Day is Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday that honors the men and women who are serving or were serving the Russian Armed Forces. This day is also referred to as Men’s Day or День Мужчин (Den’ Muzhchin), a counterpart of International Women’s Day.

Vietnam

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Bố, Ba, Tía, Cha, Bọ, Thầy, Cậu
In Vietnam, Ngày của Cha (Father’s Day) has only gained popularity in the last decade. It is not yet widely celebrated like International Women’s Day (March 8) or National Women’s Day (October 20), when society honors all mothers and women in general.

Philippines

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Itay, ‘Tay, Tatay, Pa, Papa, Pops, Daddy, Dad, Dadi
Figuratively speaking, fathers are called “haligi ng tahanan” in the Philippines, which is literally translated as “the pillar of the home” that provides strength and support.

Image by @kate_sept2004 via iStock

 

Hungary

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Apu, Apus, Apci
Apák napja is not as popular as Mother’s Day but for families who celebrate it, they usually create and give personalized gifts to their fathers.

Germany

Celebrates Father’s Day on: May 25, Ascension Day (39 days after Easter)
  • Vati, Papa, Papi
Father’s Day is also known as Männertag (Men’s day) in Germany and is marked with hand-pulled wagons, beer, and drinking all day long.

Netherlands

Celebrates Father’s Day on: third Sunday of June
  • Papa, Pa, Pap
Vaterdag is an important Dutch holiday when family members give presents to their fathers and enjoy a good meal together. Do you have a special name you call your father or a unique way of celebrating Father’s Day in your country? Share them with us!

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/endearing-ways-say-father-around-world/feed/ 0 Endearing ways to say “Mother” around the world https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/endearing-ways-say-mom-around-world/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/endearing-ways-say-mom-around-world/#respond Thu, 11 May 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/endearing-ways-say-mom-around-world/ A time dedicated to pay tribute to mothers all over the world and celebrate motherhood, Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914 and usually falls on the second Sunday of May in most countries worldwide. The date changes annually because it is linked to Easter, which is different every year as it is […]

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]]>

A time dedicated to pay tribute to mothers all over the world and celebrate motherhood, Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914 and usually falls on the second Sunday of May in most countries worldwide. The date changes annually because it is linked to Easter, which is different every year as it is determined by the lunar calendar. In the U.K., it is held exactly three weeks before Easter. While observation dates and celebrations vary, this holiday traditionally involves presenting flowers, cards, and gifts to mothers, and in the digital age, sharing “throwback” photos and greetings on social networks. This year, we asked Gengo staff from 16 different nationalities: What are the endearing ways to say mom in your country? Turns out there’s quite a few words for mom out there!

U.S./Canada

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • Mom, Mommy, Momma, Mama, Maman (Quebecoise)

 

Italy

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • Mamma, Ma

 

Australia

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • Mum, Mummy, Mother, Mumma, Ma

 

Japan

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • Oka-san (お母さん), Ka-san (母さん), Oka-chan (お母ちゃん), Ka-chan (母ちゃん), Mama (ママ), Ofukuro (お袋)

The way the Japanese address their parents is based on respect and hierarchy. It may also change over the years. Children would normally use “Mama” but when they grow up, some would address their mothers as oka-san or ka-san. On the other hand, oka-sama (お母様) is considered the most respectful way to refer to someone else’s mother.

Image by @kayonokami via Twenty20

 

France/Belgium

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: last Sunday of May (France), second Sunday of May (Belgium)

  • Maman (ma.mɑ̃)
    (The “n” is silent but it makes the “a” nasal)

 

Taiwan

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • 媽媽 (Māmā), 媽咪 (Māmi), 母親 (Mǔqīn), 娘 (), 卡桑 (Ka-san)

 

Singapore

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • Mama, Ma, Mummy, Mum, Ibu (Bahasa Melayu), Amma (Tamil)

 

Vietnam

Celebrates Women’s Day on: March 8 and October 20

  • Mẹ, Má, Mạ, Mệ, Bu, Bầm, U

Vietnam honors mothers and all women in society every 8th March, International Women’s Day, and every 20th October, National Women’s Day.

 

Malawi

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Monday of October

  • Amai, Ama, Mama, Mom

 

Spain

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: first Sunday of May

  • Mamá, Mami

 

Philippines

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: second Sunday of May

  • Inay, ‘Nay, Nanay, Ma, Mama, Mom, Mami, Mommy, Momsy

In the Philippines, where figures of speech are commonly used in everyday language, mother is referred to as “ilaw ng tahanan”, which means, “light of the home.”

Image by Din Jimenez via Flickr under CC

 

Russia

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: March 8 (with International Women’s Day)

  • Мама (Mama), мамочка (Mamochka), мамуля (Mamulya), маменька (Mamen’ka)

In Russia, мама (Mama, Mom) has many diminutive forms and the meaning varies slightly depending on usage. A typical affectionate way to address one’s mom is мамочка (Mamochka), мамуля (Mamulya) is used in an affectionate and playful sense, маменька (Mamen’ka) is affectionate and old-fashioned, while маманя (Mamanya) is affectionate but disdainful.

 

Morocco

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: last Sunday of May

  • Mama (ماما)

 

Hungary

Celebrates Mother’s Day on: first Sunday of May

  • Anyu, Anyus, Anci

Do you have a special name you call your mother? How do people address mothers in your country? Share them with us below!

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]]> https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/endearing-ways-say-mom-around-world/feed/ 0 The history of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/the-history-of-hanami/ https://gengo.com/language-and-culture/the-history-of-hanami/#respond Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:00:00 +0000 https://gengo.com/uncategorized/the-history-of-hanami/ After the cold bleakness of winter, nothing gets the Japanese more excited than the blooming of the cherry blossoms, or sakura, in spring. Not only is it an indicator that spring has officially arrived, but it’s seen as a unique part of Japanese culture dating back more than a thousand years.

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]]> After the cold bleakness of winter, nothing gets the Japanese more excited than the blooming of the cherry blossoms, or sakura, in spring. Not only is it an indicator that spring has officially arrived, but it’s seen as a unique part of Japanese culture dating back more than a thousand years. People flock to the parks to have picnics under the trees, or in many cases crazy drinking parties. When the wind blows, the tiny petals lightly dance through the air creating a dreamlike snowstorm of pink and white.  

The classical origins of hanami

If we take the word literally, hanami just means “looking at flowers.” It’s a Japanese word that falls into a broad category of “looking at things” words – two other famous examples are tsukimi “moon viewing” and fujimi “Mt. Fuji viewing.” As Japan’s imperial court grew in power and influence, it looked to China’s ancient cultural traditions to put itself on equal footing – at least in its own eyes. In the Nara Period (710-794), we find accounts of local aristocrats and courtiers reading Chinese poems celebrating the transient beauty of plum blossoms. However, by the Heian Period (794 – 1185), the term hanami had become synonymous with cherry blossom viewing specifically.  

Hanami in the premodern era

When the Tokugawa Shōgunate was established in Edo (modern day Tōkyō) in the 1600’s, hanami had already become an inherent aspect of the warrior culture. But the shōgunate took things a step further by planting cherry blossoms in public spaces. This meant not only imperial courtiers and elite samurai could enjoy hanami, but also the commoners, like merchants and farmers. Feudal lords throughout the country copied this trend in their own domains, popularizing hanami all over Japan. A proverb soon arose 花は桜木、人は武士, hana wa sakuragi, hito wa bushi (as for flowers, there are sakura – as for men, there are samurai). On the surface, this simply means the greatest of flowers are cherry blossoms and the greatest of humans are samurai. However, the life of a samurai was also compared to that of a cherry blossom. He might be beautiful, but his life could be cut short suddenly like the delicate flowers in strong wind. The link between samurai and sakura persists to this day, and often comes up in historical movies and TV dramas.  

Modern hanami

After the abolition of the samurai class, Japan began rigorously modernizing and westernizing. It’s in this era that newspapers started announcing famous spots for hanami and the best times to go. Also, the sakura season coincided with the new school year and the hiring of new employees at companies, and so the cherry blossom became a symbol of new beginnings, rather than the fleeting existence of the samurai. Having a picnic and drinking sake while looking at cherry blossoms is a tradition that goes back to the Heian Period. But with a convenience store 5 minutes away at most from anywhere, these days people just keep “refueling” and can party from morning to evening (and at night, parks often light up the cherry blossoms!). In fact, an old proverb has come to be associated with hanami: 花より団子 hana yori dango – literally “sweets over flowers.” The implication is that some people don’t come to enjoy the sakura as much as for the wild partying.

When to do hanami?

Every year is a little different and so the Japan Meteorological Agency uses a complex equation and closely monitors 59 sample trees nationwide to predict – and subsequently update in real time – the so-called Cherry Blossom Front. This tracks the blooming of sakura from south to north and is often used by the Japanese to plan weekend trips for multiple hanami experiences. The season usually begins in the middle of January on the island of Okinawa, reaches Tōkyō and Kyōto at the end of March, and ends on the island of Hokkaidō in the end of April or beginning of May. Theoretically, you could do hanami every weekend for three months if your liver was up to the challenge. Main image by Koichi Shibata via Wikimedia Commons under CC

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