Japanese lessons

The study of "nihon'go" (the Japanese language) is an immersion in "reigi," or etiquette. Evaluating the proper thing to say (and do) in any given situation is a nuanced but critical component. This aspect, in addition to the necessity of mastering three writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana), makes learning Japanese quite a challenge.

First of all, it is imperative to use politer forms of speech when addressing a person who is older or otherwise superior in rank. For instance, while it is acceptable to greet peers in the morning with "Ohayo," the more formal "Ohayo gozaimasu" must be used to address a superior (such as one's manager). Similarly, the informal "ee" (yes) would be replaced by "hai" in speech directed at someone higher up in the social hierarchy. 

Moreover, men and women employ different usages and even differing pronunciations. The verb "desu" (to be), for example, is pronounced as one syllable by men and as one and a half by women. All of this is further complicated by the general indirectness of Japanese expressions.

Upon entering the office of a superior or in leaving it, the expression "shi-tsurei shimasu" (meaning "to lose etiquette") is often used, overtly illustrating the importance of reigi in Japanese culture. However, "gomen kudasai" is the thing to say when entering a shop, if the shopkeeper is not in sight. For other situations, the all-purpose "sumimasen" serves to get someone's attention, to excuse oneself or even to express gratitude. 

There is at least one nihon'go phrase now widely recognized throughout the world: sayonara.