There are several dialects in Japan. Although they are the same Japanese language, they have slightly different words and pronunciations.
The most famous of these is the Kansai-ben. Kansai-ben is a language spoken in the Kansai region of Japan.
Therefore, this article introduces 15 simple Kansai-ben that can be used while traveling.
If you come to Kansai, please try to use this unique language, Kansai-ben!
Kansai people love Kansai-ben. They especially like foreigners speaking Kansai-ben, and you can have good communication with the locals by using it!
What is Kansai-ben?
Kansai-ben is a language spoken in the Kansai region of Japan.
Since it is spoken mainly in Osaka, it is sometimes referred to as Osaka-ben (Osaka dialect).
It is characterized by a slightly faster tempo and inflection than standard Japanese.
It has a friendly and humorous impression, giving it more warmth than the language spoken in Tokyo and other parts of Japan.
15 Kansai-ben for travel
Let’s begin by introducing 15 simple Kansai-ben that you can use while traveling.
Even if you don’t say them to local Japanese people, just saying them to your friends, family, or in your mind will make you feel happy.
Ookini
It means “thank you” in standard Japanese.
When you want to thank someone for giving you directions or for any other reason, you can say, “ookini” to convey your gratitude.
It is also used between friends, but in many cases, store owners use “ookini” to say “thank you for coming.
The Japanese airline Peach, which is based in Kansai, uses “Ookini” instead of “Thank you” in its announcements upon landing.
Nanbo?
In standard Japanese, it means “How much is it?.”
This phrase can be used when you want to ask a shopkeeper about the price of an item you want to buy but there is no price tag on it.
When you buy various items, bring them to the cash register, and want to know the total amount, you can say, Nanbo? And it will convey the message.
Eeyan
It’s a standard word meaning “nice, good or cool.”
・Say “Eeyan” to a restaurant with a good atmosphere.
・Say “Eeyan” to a spectacular view that can only be seen in Japan
・Say “Eeyan” to a friend when he makes a decision to buy an interesting Japanese product.
It can be used in these ways.
Akan
The word means “not good” in standard Japanese.
It is the opposite of the “Eeyan” mentioned earlier.。
・Say “Akan” when you don’t like an atmosphere of a restaurant.
・Say “Akan” when you think the street is filled with trash.
・Say “Akan” when your friend does something bad.
You can use it like these. However, “akan” in a direct manner can be hurtful, so refrain from saying it too much.
Meccha
It is a standard word meaning “very, really so.”
Basically, it is used in the form “meccha + adjective。
・Meccha (so) + Oishi (good) for very good Japanese food.
・Meccha (very) + Kirei (beautiful) for a very beautiful view.
These are just examples of how to use them.
Nandeyanen
In standard Japanese, this word means “No way” or “What the hell.”
It is an expression that is used in response to a light joke.
It is a word that Kansai people would say at least once a day, but it is known as a word that is difficult for people overseas to understand.
It may be difficult for you to use it while you are traveling, but I introduced it because it is the Kansai-ben that is flying around.
Maido
In standard Japanese, it means “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”.
There is no problem if you say it yourself, but more often than not, the staff will say “Maido” to you when you come to the store.
Then you can say, “Maido,” which is a natural response.
Sainara
The word means “good-bye” or “Bye” in standard Japanese.
・Say “Sainara” when you leave a store.
・Say “Sainara” when parting with someone you have met locally
These are the examples.
It is a rather casual term, so if you have a waiter or friend who has treated you well, say so.
Shimota
The word means “Oops” in standard Japanese.
It can be used for small mistakes.
・”Shimota” when you spilled coffee .
・“Shimota”when hand to the casher wrong amount of money．
・”Shimota” when you take the wrong train.
You can use it like these.
I think it’s a Kansai-ben that can be used quite often.
Kamahen
In standard Japanese, this word means “no problem” or “don’t worry about it.
It can be used as a response to an apology or a thank you, or as a reply to a request that implies acceptance.
・”Kamahen” when the product you want to buy is sold out and the clerk apologizes.
・”Kamahen” when asked to give up my seat on the train.
・”Kamahen” when thanked.
It can be used like these.
Shindoi
The word means “I’m tired” or “I’m lazy” in standard Japanese.
It can be used to indicate that you are not feeling well or that you are not in the mood.
・Tired from jet lag, “Shindoi.”
・When you’re sleepy and don’t have the energy to take a shower, “Shindoi.”
・I have a few hours of travel ahead of me, and it’s “Shindoi.”
These are the examples.
Omoroi
The word means “interesting” in standard Japanese.
Basically, the word is used for funny events, but it can also be used for anything interesting or intriguing.
・Say “Omoroi” When your friend wears his T-shirt inside out.
・Say “Omoroi” to Japanese unique culture.
・Say “Omoroi” to know that even the same sake can taste different from one manufacture to another．
These are how you can use it.
Makudo
In addition to the words, we use in everyday life, there are also some store names that are unique to the Kansai region, so we will introduce a few.
First, let’s talk about the famous hamburger chain McDonald’s.
In Japan, McDonald’s is called [Makudonarudo] without abbreviation.
And while most Japanese call its abbreviation “Makku”, people in Kansai call it “Makudo”.
So if you are asking for the location of McDonald’s in Kansai, you should use “Makudo”.
Sebuire
If you come to Japan, you will see Seven-Eleven, a convenience store, everywhere.
Only people in Kansai have a special way of calling this one.
Most Japanese call it “Seven,” but people in the Kansai region call it “Sebuire.
So if you are asking for the location of a Seven-Eleven in the Kansai region, use “Sebuire” and it will go smoothly.
Yuniba
Most Japanese call it “USJ,” but people in Kansai call it “Yuniba.
So if you are asking for the location of Universal Studios Japan, use “Yuniba” and it will go smoothly.
To be honest, “USJ” is also understood, but if you want to experience Kansai-ben, try using it.
Summary
We have selected 15 fairly basic Kansai-ben that make sense even if the context is slightly different.
Even if the pronunciation is a little strange or the grammar is not right, I am sure Kansai people will understand it favorably.
If you have a chance, please use them!
