Domo, Doko, Dozo

Body

Continuing my week's theme on travel, conferences, and Japan, I provide three more"survival words" in Japanese language. These might seem like an odd trio, but they comein very handy.

Domo -- "very much"

This is short for "Domo Arigato" which is "Thank you very much". If you just say "Domo"they assume you mean the full phrase, and gets the same point across. Some of my older readersmay remember a song by Styx "Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto" which is perhaps the only song I could think ofthat mentions IBM and Japan in the same song.

You're wondering who I am-machine or mannequin
With parts made in Japan, I am the modern man

I've got a secret I've been hiding under my skin
My heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M.

Doko -- "where?"

This word is great for trying to find places or things, such as "Where is the restroom?"Sometimes making an attempt to speak a country's official language will garner some respectand appreciation from the locals. If you're lost, and looking for help finding something, this is a great time to be appreciated.

Upon arrival to Narita, I was planning to take the N'EX high-speed train into town, but there was a train accident on the JR line, so I ended up taking the Kisei train over to Nappori station,then transfer over to a different line. Not what I had planned, but an adventure nonetheless.

Dozo -- "after you" or "go ahead"

Japan is all about showing respect to your elders, upper management, and others in great esteem or authority. When arriving to a dinner table, or leaving the elevator, this phraselets them know you are respectful by letting them go first. Americans always seem rushed,so it is good to show I can be patient also.

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