Indirect Japanese Expressions: Making request and reacting for it!

みなさん、こんにちは！

Suddenly, what do you think of B's response to the following conversation?

A：あした いっしょに かいものに いって くれませんか？

Would you go shopping with me tomorrow?

B：あー。あしたは ちょっと…。

Tomorrow's a bit….

Did you think it was unclear as a response to A's invitation?

In fact, this response, as a Japanese, clearly indicates a refusal.🙅

To elaborate on answer B, 'I can't go tomorrow because I have errands and commitments'

‘ちょっと…（That's a bit）' is used as a formality, out of consideration for the other person's feelings.

It's a little difficult ≒ indicate that it is in fact impossible but just barely not possible.

Thus, Japanese conversation is often far-fetched and ambiguous.

As some of you may have already studied, requesting expressions such as “…てください(Please do …)” and “…てくれませんか(Can you do …)" are sometimes not used.💥

Example;

A：らいしゅう、ともだちの けっこんしきが あるから、じゅぎょうに いけないんだよねぇ。

I can't go to class because of my friend's wedding.

How would you reply?🧐

This A is not just giving information, it also means that A is going to be absent and would like to be informed about the content and materials of the class.📕

The Japanese often use this method of not asking explicitly and getting the other person to notice them.

This is because by asking indirectly, you are reducing the likelihood that they might not like it.

Now, how would the Japanese request the following?

*The answer is in the picture, so please think about it and see!😁

To the teacher during class:

✔︎The room is hot and you want the room to lower the temperature of the air-conditioner.

Aki Tomo Japanese Language School https://www.tomo-japanese.com/