If you find yourself in Japan and need to blow your nose, it’s important to know the appropriate way to express this action. In Japanese, there are different ways to convey the act of blowing one’s nose, depending on the level of formality and regional variations. This guide will provide you with various phrases, tips, and examples to help you navigate this situation smoothly.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Blowing Nose”
1. 鼻をかむ (hana o kamu) – This is the most common and neutral way to say “blow nose” in Japanese. It can be used in formal situations without sounding too informal. For example:
Example: 彼は鼻をかんでティッシュを捨てました。(Kare wa hana o kande tisshu o sutemashita.) – He blew his nose and disposed of the tissue.
2. 鼻をすする (hana o susuru) – This phrase is also formal and means “to sniffle.” Note that it specifically refers to a softer blowing of the nose rather than a forceful one. Example:
Example: 電車の中では鼻をすすると他の人に迷惑ですよ。(Densha no naka de wa hana o susuru to hoka no hito ni meiwaku desu yo.) – It’s a nuisance to sniffle on the train and disturb others.
Informal Ways to Say “Blowing Nose”
1. クシュ (kushu) – This onomatopoeic expression is frequently used in casual conversations. It represents the sound of blowing one’s nose. You can simply say “クシュ” to indicate that you are blowing your nose. Example:
Example: クシュ！ごめんね、風邪引いちゃって。(Kushu! Gomen ne, kaze hiichatte.) – Ah-choo! Sorry, I caught a cold.
2. 鼻をかむこと (hana o kamu koto) – In informal situations, you can use this phrase, which translates to “act of blowing nose.” Unlike the formal phrase mentioned earlier, this one emphasizes the action itself rather than the act of blowing one’s nose. Example:
Example: ごめん、ちょっと鼻をかむことがあるから待ってて。(Gomen, chotto hana o kamu koto ga aru kara mattete.) – Sorry, I need to blow my nose for a moment, so please wait.
Tips and Regional Variations
– In Japan, it is considered polite to use a tissue or handkerchief when blowing your nose in public. Make sure to have one readily available.
– When blowing your nose, try to do it discretely and avoid making loud or unpleasant noises. Be considerate of others around you.
– In certain regions or among different age groups, there may be slight variations in how people express the act of blowing their nose. However, the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are widely understood and accepted throughout Japan.
Conclusion
When it comes to blowing your nose in the Japanese language, the two most common ways to express this action are “鼻をかむ (hana o kamu)” in formal situations and “クシュ (kushu)” or “鼻をかむこと (hana o kamu koto)” in informal contexts.
Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and use a tissue or handkerchief to ensure proper etiquette while blowing your nose in public. With these phrases, tips, and examples, you are well-equipped to handle this situation politely and confidently during your stay in Japan.
