plain vs polite
Wiktor S.
on situation (official, polite etc)? I mean, is it possible to use masu
forms when speaking to someone (to be extra polite), to whom one is normally
using familiar forms, or vice versa? I'am asking about it because in my
native language (Polish) it is absolutely _impolite_ to use "polite"
addressing to a friend.
--
Azarien
my e-mail address ends in .fm not .fmv
Fabian
> Is the -masu/-u thing always fixed between two people or can vary
> depending on situation (official, polite etc)? I mean, is it possible
> to use masu forms when speaking to someone (to be extra polite), to
> whom one is normally using familiar forms, or vice versa? I'am asking
> about it because in my native language (Polish) it is absolutely
> _impolite_ to use "polite" addressing to a friend.
As I understand it, it is normal to use the polite forms in the presence
of someone with whom you would normally use polite forms with,
regardless of whom you are speaking to and regardless of whom you are
referring to.
This would explain why I get referred to as -san at work, but -sensei
when they take me to the hospital because I'm too slow to dodge
poisonous centipedes.
--
--
Fabian
Visit my website often and for long periods!
http://www.lajzar.co.uk
Wiktor S.
> > depending on situation (official, polite etc)? I mean, is it possible
> > to use masu forms when speaking to someone (to be extra polite), to
> > whom one is normally using familiar forms, or vice versa? I'am asking
> > about it because in my native language (Polish) it is absolutely
> > _impolite_ to use "polite" addressing to a friend.
>
> As I understand it, it is normal to use the polite forms in the presence
> of someone with whom you would normally use polite forms with,
> regardless of whom you are speaking to and regardless of whom you are
> referring to.
Thank you. So it works a bit differently than in my culture.
Cindy
> Is the -masu/-u thing always fixed between two people or can vary depending
> on situation (official, polite etc)? I mean, is it possible to use masu
> forms when speaking to someone (to be extra polite), to whom one is normally
> using familiar forms, or vice versa? I'am asking about it because in my
> native language (Polish) it is absolutely _impolite_ to use "polite"
> addressing to a friend.
How can I put it... when you first meet someone, you usually behave
politely. That's a courtesy. As you get to know each other, you and
your friend start to grow friendly and use relaxed languages. When you
become very close, you probably don't need a lot of words to communicate
with your friend. We call it "tsuu kaa" no naka. You and your friend
have established a very close relation; then, if you use, all of sudden,
polite forms or euphemism to your friend, you may sound very cold or
even sarcastic. This is why, depending on the situation, being yelled
"Kono kuso bakayaroo" is much more affectionate than "Anataha orokade
gozaimasu."
Wiktor S.
OK, now I understand.