There are a vast number of dialects in Japan, and each of them reflects the culture and daily lives of the people in its region through unique expressions and accents. Today, we’ll explore 10 well-known Japanese dialects from across the country, highlighting their charm and unique features!
Dialects in Japan
Japan has an official language based on the Tokyo dialect, known as the standard Japanese, yet it is also home to countless regional dialects. While locals often use these dialects when speaking with each other in the region, many switch to standard Japanese when talking to people from other places.
Among Japanese dialects, the Kansai dialect, which is used in cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, is perhaps the most well-known. Since the dialect is deeply rooted in their culture, Kansai speakers often use it even when talking to visitors. If you’re travelling to the area, learning some phrases and greetings in Kansai dialect might be helpful.
Some dialects are particularly distinctive, such as the Tsugaru dialect in northern Tohoku, the Hakata dialect in Fukuoka, and the Okinawan dialect. Dialects reflect not just linguistic differences but also the culture, history, and even the natural environment of their regions. For example, Okinawa, once an independent kingdom, retains linguistic influences from the era, with some expressions that are incomprehensible to other Japanese speakers.
Features of Regional Dialects
Hokkaido Dialect
The Hokkaido dialect is characterised by its friendly tone, often ending sentences with “~dabesa.” It is relatively easy to understand, but there are words like namara (very), shitakke (see you), and waya (messed up), which don’t exist in standard Japanese.
Tsugaru Dialect
It’s spoken in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. This dialect is considered one of the most challenging to decipher because they frequently use vocabulary unfamiliar to other regions, and words often become voiced, such as “iku” changing to “igu.” Some people even say it is closer to French than to standard Japanese because of its difficulty.
Tokyo Dialect
The Tokyo dialect serves as the foundation of standard Japanese and is widely understood across the country. But, in the eastern downtown areas, there are remnants of Edo-era speech, such as a somewhat rough accent and the reversal of the pronunciation of “hi” and “shi“. Additionally, there are some words unique to Tokyo, such as katasu (to tidy up) and okkanai (scary).
Yokohama Dialect
Closely resembling the Tokyo dialect, the Yokohama dialect is easy to understand. However, sentence endings often elongate with “nee,” “saa,” or “yoo.” The phrase-ending particle jan (isn’t it?) originated in Yokohama and has spread nationwide.
Nagoya Dialect
Known for its distinctive endings like “dagaya” and “myaa,” the Nagoya dialect includes unique expressions like dera (very) and tawake (fool). The word anta (you), which can sound rude in standard Japanese, is considered polite in Nagoya.
Kansai Dialect (Kyoto)
Kyoto’s dialect is known for its soft and polite tone. Expressions like oideyasu (welcome) and okureyasu (please do) are famous. You’ll also hear words like ookini (thank you) and hona (well then), which are shared with Osaka and Hyogo dialects.
Kansai Dialect (Osaka)
Often associated with Japan’s comedy culture, Osaka’s dialect is lively and powerful. Common phrases include honma ni? (really?) and nande yanen! (why?). Endings like “yan” or “nen” are typical, and casual self-references like uchi are frequently used.
Hiroshima Dialect
The Hiroshima dialect is noted for strong-sounding endings like jaken and ja. Accents often differ even for words shared with standard Japanese, and personal pronouns like uchi or washi are common.
Hakata Dialect
The Hakata dialect is beloved for its friendliness and sometimes cuteness, often ending sentences with bai or cha. The ending ~to? is commonly used to ask questions or seek confirmation.
Okinawan Dialect
The traditional Okinawan language, Ryukyuan, has roots distinct from Japanese, with each island preserving unique dialects. The main island’s dialect ”Uchinaaguchi” features phrases like haisai (hello) and mensōre (welcome), often heard in tourist areas. The relaxed tone, often ending with “saa” or “yoo”, is also a dialect characteristic.
Modern Dialects and Evolution
In modern Japan, standard Japanese has become widespread, leading to a decline in dialect usage. However, efforts to preserve and promote dialects through local branding and cultural events are increasing. For example, some local governments incorporate dialects into festivals and tourism promotions.
In some cases, new words have been created from the interaction between regional dialects and standard Japanese. For example, the Kansai dialect “ke-hen (not come)” and the standard Japanese “konai (not come)” have combined, and now the phrase with the same meaning “ko-hen” is commonly used in the Kansai region.
Japanese dialects are linguistic treasures filled with the history and culture of each region. Why not tune into the local dialect on your next trip? It’s a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation of the area and its people!
