Wa and Ha

[Mycernius]

I have noticed that the words 'konnichiwa' and 'konbanwa' when written in hiragana end with 'ha' and not 'wa'. Why is this? I have read through a few books, but they don't say why. Could someone please answer this for me? Thank you.

 

[Damicci]

I thought about that too and not even my japanese friends really know why, but I think it is related to the time of day like kon nichi this day and kon ban this evening but eh hell if i know.

 

[wakarimasen]

Well, the particle "wa" is written "ha" (は) in Japanese. I think these set phrases started out as sentences starting with "こんにちは" -- "as for this day..." and "こんばんは" -- "as for this evening..." Over time they got shortened to the simple (and somewhat nonsensical) forms they have today. Sort of how like us english speakers started out saying "Good morning to you" and now just say "'mornin'!"

There are a few other weird particles that aren't written like they sound: "o" which is written を (wo) and "e" which is written "へ" (he)...

Someone more experienced can correct me, of course...
Justin

 

[Elizabeth]

They are both written with わ quite a lot among friends and more casually (even on this board you'll find it that way ) although it may not be technically correct since wa isn't part of the word proper.

 

[Damicci]

Well, the particle "wa" is written "ha" (は) in Japanese. I think these set phrases started out as sentences starting with "こんにちは" -- "as for this day..." and "こんばんは" -- "as for this evening..." Over time they got shortened to the simple (and somewhat nonsensical) forms they have today. Sort of how like us english speakers started out saying "Good morning to you" and now just say "'mornin'!"
Justin

That is exactly what I was thinking just couldn't figure out how to say it.

 

[J44xm]

The whole わ／は thing seems to be one of the more confounding aspects of the language--it falls under the "WHY?!" section--but it my brief experience, it's not one that's all too difficult to get past with some experience. (I'm imagining Homer Simpson: "Fine! I don't even know why we have a 'wa'!") If it was me, I'd have hiragana totally dedicated to particle use and nothing else. But it ain't me, now is it?

 

[wakarimasen]

If it was me, I'd have hiragana totally dedicated to particle use and nothing else. But it ain't me, now is it?

Don't forget verb and i-adjective endings, too... or do you propose to do away with inflections altogether?

Justin

 

[J44xm]

Well, that's very easily solved, friend. You see ... [runs away].

 

[GaijinPunch]

I think you'll find こんばんわ whereas you'll find it's counter part こんいちは. I have no clue why, but this is how it seems to go... at least in the 3 years or so I was playing games online in Japan, where you hear the two words a lot every day. ばんわ～ is also a well-used substitute.

 

[epigene]

Speaking strictly from linguistics, こんばんわ・こんにちわ are incorrect, despite the overwhelming number of users among young people.

There is a Japanese website calling to others to band together and stamp out the use of "wa" instead of "ha."
『こんにちわ』撲滅委員会

Another defends it:

「こんにちわ」擁護運動

The Internet has shifted the balance of power in the Japanese economy, in favor of the young people. It's also affecting the language.

PS The reason why "ha" is correct has already been suggested correctly by Wakarimasen-san...

 

[GaijinPunch]

There is a Japanese website calling to others to band together and stamp out the use of "wa" instead of "ha."

And here I am foolishly spending time supporting causes to fight world hunger, and save endangered species. I know how they feel though. I want to slap people that purposely use the word 'teh',

in favor of the young people. It's also affecting the language.

I think it's safe to say that's the same for just about every free nation... especially about the language. Langauge is organic, and young'ins are the one that seem to be doin' the changing.