Last Updated on July 7, 2021 by admin

Apology Culture in Japan

Japanese people do indeed use a great number of words of apology. Very often, they use an apology in place of words of gratitude.
For instance, an old woman gets on a bus. Someone gets up to give her their seat. While there are some old ladies who will say a simple “Thank you” most people will say ” I am sorry” in such a situation.

An old lady who says “I am sorry” is thinking like this-“If I had not boarded this bus, you would have been able to keep your seat. Since you got up because I got on the bus. I have been a bother to you. I am indeed sorry for this.” It is for this reason that Japanese apologize instead of expressing direct gratitude. We feel that this approach makes people feel better than direct gratitude.

admin on Google+