Here are some explanations of Japanese expressions. They were supplied by Akiko
Harada the Tasmanian Japanese Advisor, Japan Foundation. Akiko says that we can
see a bit of a different way of thinking of culture. Akiko adapted these from 'Japanese
Journal’ issued January 2004.
The source of energy : Genki
The term ‘genki’ is not simply an antonym for sickness or poor health; it refers to an
adequate source of energy for activity. The image is just like that of a container full of
fuel. We express having vigour as ‘genki-ippai’(full of life), or ‘genkihatsuratsu’(bursting with energy),. The opposition condition is called ‘genki-ga-nai’
(no pep) or ‘genki ga nakunaru’ (energy level decreases). When people are in that
state we encourage them with ‘genki dashite!’ (cheer up!). When people pretend to be
genki, we say such behaviour is ‘kara-genki’ (putting on a brave face). The word
‘kara’ means empty. Being genki is so important to life that we even have the
idiomatic expression ’genki ga ichiban’ (health is most important). That is why
Japanese greet each other with expressions such as
‘ogenki desuka’ (how are you?), or ‘dozo ogenki de’ (take care of yourself) indicating
concern for each other’s health.
hatsuratsu: full of life, cheerful and healthy
Feeling concerned about one’s physical condition: Otsukare-sama
When we use our bodies or brains too much and are in a state of physical and mental
weakness, we call the condition ‘tsukareta’ (tired) ‘kutabireta’ (exhausted) or
‘kutakuta da” (dead tired). The expression ‘otsukare-sama’ or ‘otsukare-sama-deshita’
is an idiom we use at the end of a day full of work or study when we are ready to go
home. When we are so tired that we can’t move any more we call the condition
‘bateru’ (done in). With the approach of every summer, methods to combat ‘natsubate’ or summer fatigue, caused by extreme heat, become topical. People who are in
the prime of their life would like very much to sit down in a commuter train or bus
too. Perhaps Japan is just a tiring society. In recent years the country and the world
have been rocked by the phenomenon of ‘Karooshi’ or people who work until they die
of exhaustion. This term is now understood worldwide.
Mental health is important: Illness derives from the psyche
In Japan there is the following saying: Yamai wa ki kara (yamai means illness). This
means that if ‘ki’ or the psyche (working of the mind or heart) is out of sorts and
energy levels are down, it is easy to become sick. It is thought htat when people feel
psychologically let down or brood over something, it is easy to catch cold or get hurt.
Thatis why Japanese often say ‘ki o tsukete’ (be careful) or ‘ki ni shinaide’ (don’t
worry about it). Since it is thought that people who are keyed up don’t get sick, people
who miss work because of illness are actually scolded with having slacked off, ‘ki ga
tarunde iru’. Psychological illness was thought in ancient times to be the result of
possession by the spirit of foxes or other animals called ‘tsukimono (evil spirits). In
such cases, ceremonies called ‘oharai’ were often held to ask the gods to exorcise the
spirits.
Watch out for Taboos!
Omimai or inquiring after someone’s health
Visiting some one who is ill or hurt, or sending a condolence gift is called omimai. A
condolence gift usually consists of flowers or fruit. If fruit, the gift is an expensive
delicacy that people rarely get a chance to eat. If flowers, potted plants are avoided
because a plant with roots has meaning of ‘nezuku’ (taking root), also bringing to
mind the word ‘netsuku’ (bedridden),a bad omen. For a similar reason, the hospital
room numbers 4 and 9 are often missing because four (‘shi’ in Japanese) means death,
while nine or ‘ku’ is associated with suffering.
When the patient is released from the hospital and returns to work, he/she gives out a
‘kaiki-iwai’ gift to those who came to visit or gave a condolence gift when the person
was incapacitated. The word ‘mimai’ can also be used for visits to people who have
suffered from natural catastrophes such as fires. “mimai’ is also done to encourage
candidates in elections, actors or anyone who is in a state of stress. This type of
inquire is called ‘jinchu-mimai’.
engi ga warui: to seem as if something bad will happen.
Plugging along diligently, preventing illness: How to stay healthy
Everyone wants to stay healthy. Most Japanese gargle and wash their hands every day
when they get home as a way to prevent illness. Radio calisthenics have also caught
on widely among Japanese. These exercises, in which calisthenics are done in sync
with music and directives over the radio, has a history of over eighty years.
Individuals and groups do the exercises at 6:30am when the radio program is
broadcast; schools and some workplaces often use recordings or CD to follow these
exercises regimen. Compared to Westerners, Japanese are sensitive to stiff shoulders,
necks and lower backs. They often use hot baths or hot springs to relax their muscles
through pounding or kneading is called ‘anma’
(massage). Sometimes burning moxa on their skin or acupuncture therapy is also
used.
Mubyo-sokusai: preventing illness and staying healthy
It’s great to live long!
Life expectancy
Like most people throughout the world, Japanese believe firmly that life is granted
from heaven. When a death occurs unexpectedly, it is called ‘inochi o otosu’ (lose
one’s life). When someone escapes danger, it is called ‘inochibiroi o shita’ (escape
with one’s life). A person’s lifespan is called life expedtancy or jumyo; to live a long
life is called ‘choju’. Today population aging and it sconcomitant adverse effects is a
problem, but from ancient times people in Japna have celebrated certain watershed
ages. The age of sixty is called ‘kanreki’; seventy ’koki’; seventy-seven ‘kiju’; and
eighty-eight ‘beiju’: each one has its own special name. When someone who has lived
a long life passes away, it is said that the person lived out his or her allocated life span
(‘tenju o matto shita’). Such funerals are held with a feeling of celebration.
Rogai: a state in which leaders in industry and the political world are aging, among
other adverse effects.
Tenju o matto sshita: to live to the fullest the life granted by heaven.