The Druid's Spear (Ascent of the Gem Bearers Book 1) (31 page)

Japanese honorifics (such as -
san
and
-chan
) are used to show a level of formality that some readers may not be familiar with. Throughout this book, we attempt to show that aspect of the culture through the use of these honorifics. In the Japanese culture, there is always a level of respect shown to the person one may have a relationship with. This aspect is not unique to the Japanese but occurs in various cultures around the world.

HONORIFICS

--
San
is very common to use. Think “Daniel-san” from the movie
The Karate Kid
. The closest similarity is “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Ms.”, or “Miss” although the use of it can be formal or informal depending on the relationship with the person.

--
Sama
is not as common. It’s used in conjunction with a person of higher rank than you. In the context of
The
Druid’s Spear
, -
sama
is used to denote great respect to Rhychard among his followers; however, none of Rhychard’s followers would refer to Ludovicus in the same manner.

--
Kun
, as employed in the context of this story, is used by the spy to show disrespect to Alderic. The spy is of lower rank than Alderic, so when he refers to Alderic and attaches -
kun
to the end, it’s in a mocking manner, since -
kun
frequently denotes a lower rank. However, it can also be used by people of equal ranking. This honorific is usually attached to males only.

--
Senpai
is typically used to mean “upperclassman” in anime and manga, but it really means “mentor” or “senior.” Rin refers to the Elder as “senpai” quite often.

--
No kimi
is rarely used anymore. In fact, it is a throwback from history denoting lords and ladies of the court. However, it’s sometimes used when addressing lovers. For example, “Yamada no kimi” can be translated as “My love Yamada.”

--
Chan
is a term of affection and used by people who have known each other for some time. The Elder refers to Rin as Uchida—
chan
since he has known her since childhood. This honorific is attached to females only.

TERMS

Okasan
– mother (Note: John calls Ken’s mother Aoki-kasan, which can be translated as “Mother Aoki.”)
Otousan
– father

Sensei
– usually used in the context of a teacher, but can also apply to other professionals such as doctors or lawyers. When Ken speaks to his lawyer, he refers to him as Tanaka-sensei.

Sumimasen
– excuse me; there are many ways to say “excuse me,” “my bad,” “my fault,”
etc.
in Japan, depending on the situation; however, this term is the most common.

Shizukani
– means to be quiet; when John is hollering at Ken, he is using the word informally. If the situation were more formal, he would use the phrase “Shizuka ni shite kudasai” meaning “Please be quiet.”

Juusha
– followers

Yokatta
– good, great

Youkoso
– welcome

Ganbatte!
– Do your best!

Omoshiroi
– interesting (Of course, the first thing that came to mind was Spock’s “fascinating.”)
Ja mata.
– See you.

Iie
– no; negative; disagreeing with a statement; “No, that’s correct.”

Hai
– yes; positive; agreeing with a statement; “Yes, that’s incorrect.”

Da
– used at the end of a statement of command. Informal for desu, usually meaning “is” or “do.”

Kitte da!
– Come here!

Ima da!
– Now!

Chotto mate.
– Wait.

Yoshi!
– Great! Yes!

Domo
– Thanks (informal)

Domo arigato
– Thank you very much (formal)

Nani
– What?

Gomenasai
– I’m sorry; Like other phrases, there are many ways to say this depending on the situation.

Parker Payne
owes her love all things speculative to her grandmother, Kathleen Payne who taught her how to read and write as a child. As such, when she is not writing edgy faith-based romances as Parker J. Cole, she is digging into her imagination in the world of the strange and unusual. She’s a diehard Trekkie (TOS), sci-fi lover, fantasy dweller, romance junkie, anime freak, old movie buff, church-goer, off and on Mountain Dew and marshmallow recovering addict who writes to fill the void the sugar left behind.

For a touch of romance visit her site at
www.parkerjcole.com

For a trip down the rabbit hole visit her site at
www.parkerpayne.net
.

Lee Thornton III
is a native of Detroit, Michigan with roots in Nashville, Tennessee where he spent most of his time outside. Whether in sunshine or rain, he spent his days catching turtles and crayfish in the creeks. He grew up with a love for comics, and horror and action movies. A Bachelor’s degree in architecture from Tuskegee University encouraged him to develop his imagination and made him the man he is today.