本當超面白! Lets talk Nihongo influences
29.07.07Filed Under: Inspiration, Japan
Probably when you read the title you will think what is that?? Yes, today I want to talk a little about the Japanese language influence in Chinese contemporary language. 本當超面白 or in Jap “Honto cho-omoshiroi” means “very interesting”. I found this word while reading MILK magazine. The article is about Japanese stuff so the author integrate some Japanese word into it, and I found it quite interesting.
The Nihongo influence particularly strong in Asia countries that speaks Chinese especially Taiwan and China. Thanks to Astro, I got to watch many Taiwan entertainment shows. They use Japanese words like “人気” (Ninki - means popular), “卡哇衣” (Kawaii - means cute) and “哦衣西” (Oishii - means delicious). There is another which I think is worth mentioning is in the game show, when the guest is failed to advance, instead of putting “可惜”, they use “残念 (Zannen)”! Hahaha.
In my humble opinion, I think there is some reason of using Japanese language instead of original Chinese, first it makes the language more interesting. Second, it feels more trendy and young that will attract younger audiences. As you know, the Chinese 汉字 (Kanji) was been integrated in Japanese language, and Japan now is popular and this is common that those Kanji is being integrated into other languages.
Actually it is quite interesting on how the Japanese interpret Kanji, for example “人気” mentioned above. If direct translate to Chinese it means “people gas”. Because the thing is popular, so many people wants to buy it so the “gas” becomes a lot make the item “hot”. Another one is “無料 (Muryou)” which means FREE. So because is free so no need material (money). What about need money? Maybe you will think is “有料”. Yup, you’re right!
Some other interesting examples like “大丈夫” (Daijoubu - no problem. Chinese - gentlemen). Because even got problem you will also said no problem, so you are very gentlemen and “面倒臭” (Mendokusai - troublesome. Chinese - face down stinks). Because you feel troublesome, so you will turn down your face and it looks stinks”, hahahaha.
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True, especially in taiwan’s entertainment programmes.
one in particular that i bought, its called ‘ cawaii’, and it actually derived from the japanese ‘kawaii’ .
July 30th, 2007 at 4:07 pmEven the magazines too…
For your information, Taiwan was colonized by Japanese for nearly 50 years and therefore the influence of thier cultures have taken root in the daily life of the Taiwanese people. I am lucky to have a few Taiwanese friends who shared to me about this info, they told me about this and actually did u know that even their ads on TV does have ads in Nihongo even though the new generations might not understand japanese well though.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:47 amThanks for the comment from both of you :D.
@guybrush: Really, wow. Actually it is quite logic, coz the older generation of Taiwanese still able to speak Japanese fluently, so that is actually making sense.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:24 pm