Let’s speak Kansai dialect — The layman’s guide to Kansai-ben!
The Kansai region of Japan, the area where Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe are located, is where many times you might not be able to comprehend the spoken vernacular Japanese (as even many native Japanese are not able to!) as it has a dialect of its own known as Kansai-ben or Osaka-ben!
Today we will be introducing some of the popular words and phrases that can be heard through out the region.
1. Nandeyanen (なんでやねん)
‘Nandeyanen’ is one of the most popular phrases of the Kansai dialect. As its direct translation into English would probably not suffice the feeling as to how a Kansai person feels! A close equivalent would be ‘why’ or ‘no way!’ (Expressing it in disgust or in surprise!). One of the better times of usage of this phrase, would be when someone tricks you into an unfavorable (weird) situation or tries to play you fool!
2. Honmani (ほんまに)
This word could be said to be the Kansai version of ‘Hontoni’ (ほんとに！). ‘Honmani’s English equivalent would be something close to ‘very’ or ‘really’! It is usually used to emphasize something. If one puts a question mark at the end like — ‘honmani?’ (ほんまに？) it would mean something like ‘Are you sure?’ or ‘really?’.
*it should not be confused with ‘majide!’ (まじで！) which also has a similiar meaning.
3. Seyane (せやね) or Seyana (せやな)
It is used when one agrees or expresses consent for something and can be heard throughout Kansai. Also it wouldn’t be quite correct to say that it is similiar to the standard equivalent of — sodesu ne! (そうですね！), as ‘seyane!’ has different emotions attached to it!
4. Hona ne! (ほなね！)
In Kansai, many people use it when saying — ‘see you later’, or the standard equivalent of — mata ne! (またね！).
5. Ōkini! (おおきに)
It is usually said when one receives a favor from someone. Rough English translation would be — ‘thanks!’. Standard equivalent could be said to be — ‘arigatou’ (ありがとう！), but again its usage depends on the situation and it cannot be replaced for every ‘arigatou!’ in day to day conversations. Elderly people tend to use.
We hope this article helps you get better acquainted to the regional surroundings and have a great experience in the land of the rising Sun! Why not try using the Kansai dialect !?
