A Couple Random Questions

[josh_updyke]

Im a student of the Japanese language and culture in general. I have lived in Osaka for a year and spent 6 years studying Japanese Language. However I still find random things that I don't really understand. So here are a few of my personal quandaries.

What is the difference in "Itai" and "Itei"? (grr I hate ramanji) I hear them both when someone gets hurt. I believe that "Itai" is textbook correct while "Itei" is slang. Is one more masculine, or more childish? What is the connotation of them?

When refering to parents one can say "haha" or "hahaue", "chichi" or "chichiue". What is the connotation of adding "ue" to the end do? Is it more formal? can you use it for brothers and sisters? Any Ideas?

Finally this is a culture question. I have seen graves by the sides of a road for accident victims that have died. people leave some items to pay respect. I have seen 3 apples and 3 oranges set. Is this use to leave something, or is the number 3 important? Is apple and oranges have any meaning?

Well if anyone knows anything I would be really interested to know. Also Please post your random questions, I would love to hear what other people are thinking about.

Josh Updyke

 

[dark_secrester]

If I were you, my best bet would be to ask an actual Japanese person these questions. They will be better informed, and able to help you more than we can.

Joe

 

[Goldiegirl]

I am sorry I can't answer your question, but I DO think that this is the right forum to post it on and that I am sure there are some people here who can answer your questions.

 

[bakaKanadajin]

You may get more answers posting in the Language section.

 

[nice gaijin]

What is the difference in "Itai" and "Itei"? (grr I hate ramanji) I hear them both when someone gets hurt. I believe that "Itai" is textbook correct while "Itei" is slang. Is one more masculine, or more childish? What is the connotation of them?

You're right, it's the same word, just different speaking patterns. Usually guys will change "ai" to "ei" sounds, so it seems more masculine. Its use depends on the speaker, but I wouldn't expect to hear them in a formal situation.

When refering to parents one can say "haha" or "hahaue", "chichi" or "chichiue". What is the connotation of adding "ue" to the end do? Is it more formal? can you use it for brothers and sisters? Any Ideas?

Well, the uses are slightly different. "haha" and "chichi" would be used when talking about your parents (formally). Adding "ue" is like adding "san" or "sensei" or "sempai" after a name; it's a way of showing respect. I've only heard them in movies or jidai-geki, so it's possible that it's not very commonly used anymore.

Finally this is a culture question. I have seen graves by the sides of a road for accident victims that have died. people leave some items to pay respect. I have seen 3 apples and 3 oranges set. Is this use to leave something, or is the number 3 important? Is apple and oranges have any meaning?

It's a common Buddhist practice to make offerings of food and drinks to the dead, but I'm not sure if there's any particular significance to the number three.

 

[royjapan]

ite- sounds kind of rude. when I hear ite- from a girl, I think she is not the one I want to hang out. when I'm with older pelpe, or business people, I don't use it.
when I'm with my friends, I say ite-----.

We don't use "hahaue""chichiue". There are very old japanese(100s of years ago). I think "haha" "chichi" is a good word to use. ex "watashi no chichi wa tokyo ni imasu"
similar words: "oka a san""otou san" and "ohukuro""oyaji"

I don't think there are any meanings for orange, apple, number"3", but I may be worng....