相手の心を気づかう「あいまい表現」の文化は、争いを避ける和の精神とつながっている。それは日本のさまざまな場所で見られる。たとえば、あなたが誰かに大きな損害を与えたが、相手にも多少の落度があったとしよう。アメリカであれば、その落ち度を突き、自分には落度がないと言い訳するだろう。非を認め

れば、多額の賠償金を請求されるからだ。 ...

Japanese Place Importance on "Harmony" (1)

The characteristic of "vague expression" in which the speaker shows concern for others' peace-of-mind is related to the desire in Japan to maintain a harmonious spirit and avoid disputes. It is seen everywhere in Japan. Take as an example the situation where you cause a major problem for someone, but they are only partly to blame. In the USA, you would blame their error and make excuses as if you are blameless. This is because if you admit it was your fault, you will very likely be liable for a large amount of financial compensation. ...

日本人【にほんじん】 (n) Japanese person; (P).

大切に【たいせつに】 (adv) carefully; with caution; with great care.

相手【あいて】 (n) (1) companion; partner; company; (2) other party; addressee; (3) opponent (sumo); (P).

気づかう【きづかう】 (v5u) to worry about; to feel anxious about; to have apprehensions of.

表現【ひょうげん】 (n,vs) (1) expression; presentation; (2) (math) representation; (P).

文化【ぶんか】 (n) culture; civilization; civilisation; (P).

争い【あらそい】 (n) dispute; strife; quarrel; dissension; conflict; rivalry; contest; (P).

避ける【よける】 (v1) (1) to avoid (physical contact with); (2) to ward off; to avert; (P).

和【わ】 (n) sum; harmony; peace; (P).

精神【せいしん】 (n) mind; soul; heart; spirit; intention; (P).

日本【にほん】 (n) Japan; (P).

場所【ばしょ】 (n) place; location; (P).

見られる【みられる】 ; (v1) (1) to see; to watch; (2) (as an auxiliary verb) to try; (P).

誰か【だれか】 (n) (uk) someone; somebody; (P).

大き【おおき】 (adj-na) big; large; (P).

損害【そんがい】 (n) damage; injury; loss; (P).

与えた【あたえた】 ; (v1) to give; to present; to award; (P).

多少【たしょう】 (adj-no,adv,n) more or less; somewhat; a little; some; (P).

突き【つき】 (n) a thrust; a pass; a lunge; a stab; (P).

自分【じぶん】 (n) myself; oneself; (P).

落度【おちど】 (n) fault; error; guilt.

言い訳【いいわけ】 (n,vs) (1) excuse; (2) explanation; (P).

非【ひ】 (adj-na,n,pref) faulty-; non-; (P).

認め【みとめ】 (n) approval; final seal (of approval); (P).

多額【たがく】 (adj-na,n) large amount of money; (P).

賠償金【ばいしょうきん】 (n) indemnities; reparations; (P).

請求【せいきゅう】 (n,vs) claim; demand; application; request; (P).