Learning how to express recommendations in a foreign language can greatly enhance your communication skills. In Japanese, conveying a recommendation involves using specific vocabulary and expressions. This guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to say “recommend” in Japanese, along with various tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances. Let’s delve into it!
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Formal Ways to Say “Recommend” in Japanese
When speaking in formal or polite contexts, such as with superiors, clients, or strangers, you should use the following expressions to recommend something. These phrases demonstrate respect and politeness, allowing you to convey your suggestions appropriately.
1. お勧めします (O-susumeshimasu)
This phrase is a straightforward and commonly used way to recommend something formally in Japanese. The prefix お (o) adds politeness to the verb 勧めします (susumeshimasu), meaning “to recommend.” For instance:
日本料理のレストランをお勧めします。(Nihon ryōri no resutoran o o-susumeshimasu)
I recommend the Japanese restaurant.
2. お薦めいたします (O-susume itashimasu)
This phrase is a more polite variation of the previous expression. It includes the honorific verb いたします (itashimasu), which indicates respect towards the listener. For example:
この映画をお薦めいたします。(Kono eiga o o-susume itashimasu)
I humbly recommend this movie.
Informal Ways to Say “Recommend” in Japanese
In casual settings, when talking with friends, family, or people of similar age or status, you can utilize the following expressions to recommend something in a more relaxed manner.
1. おすすめだよ (Osusume da yo)
This phrase is a friendly and straightforward way to recommend something. The word おすすめ (osusume) translates to “recommendation” and is often used as a noun or an adjective. The particle よ (yo) adds emphasis and provides a friendly tone. For example:
この曲、おすすめだよ。(Kono kyoku, osusume da yo)
This song is recommended!
2. これはオススメだよ (Kore wa osusume da yo)
This expression is similar to the previous one but provides more emphasis on what you are recommending. By using これは (kore wa), meaning “this,” you draw attention to a specific item or suggestion. For instance:
これはオススメだよ！(Kore wa osusume da yo!)
This is highly recommended!
Additional Tips for Using “Recommend” in Japanese
To enhance your understanding and usage of these expressions, consider these additional tips:
1. Adding Adverbs
When expressing the strength of your recommendation, you can include adverbs like 大変 (taihen) meaning “very” or 本当に (hontō ni) meaning “really.” Examples include:
- このレストランは本当にお勧めですよ。(Kono resutoran wa hontō ni o-susume desu yo)
This restaurant is truly recommended! - この映画は大変おすすめだよ。(Kono eiga wa taihen osusume da yo)
This movie is highly recommended!
2. Using Verb Forms
You can modify the verb form to match the context or tense in which you recommend something. For example, if you want to express that something was recommended in the past, use the verb form 勧めました (susumemashita). Here’s an example:
- この本を読むことをお勧めしました。(Kono hon o yomu koto o o-susumemashita)
I recommended reading this book.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide on how to say “recommend” in Japanese! You now possess knowledge of formal and informal expressions to convey your recommendations appropriately in various contexts. Remember to adapt your language to the situation, using the formal expressions with respect and the informal ones with friends and peers. With additional practice, you will become more fluent in expressing your recommendations in Japanese!
