Page 149 - 聖方濟各英文小學（學校雜誌）

Japanese

6D Tsui Ying Yeung

When traveling in Japan, have you ever noticed that there are Chinese
characters around? For example, you might see the word「湯」outside hot
springs. 「湯」in Chinese means “soup”, but in Japanese, it means “hot
water”. There are many Chinese characters in Japanese which have different
meanings from Chinese. Here are some examples.

1. 有難う ありがとう arigatou

In Chinese, 「有難」means having difficulties. However, it means “Thank
you” in Japanese. What a big difference between Japanese and Chinese!

2. 顔色 かおいろ kaoiro
「顏色」 in Chinese means “colour”. In Japanese, 「顔（かお）」 means face, 「顔色（かおいろ）」
means complexion.

3. 勉強 べんきょう benkyou
In Chinese, 「勉強」means “reluctant”. On the other
hand, 「勉強（べんきょう）」means “study” in Japanese.
Because of the big difference in meaning, some people make
fun by combining both meanings and say that they are being
forced to study. Isn’t it fun?

The above are a few examples that I would like to share
with you. If you would like to learn more about Chinese
characters in Japanese, you can search the internet or go to
the library to have a look at some Japanese books.

148