Strange Japanese Gestures & Body Language

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[@spang9782]

The constant bowing is something I picked up quickly on my first trip to Japan. By the end of the 2 week trip, it became almost automatic. So much so that when I returned to Hawaii, I went to Starbucks for a coffee at the airport before heading home, and I instinctively bowed to the barista before ordering. The barista was apparently bilingual as we host many Japanese tourists, and asked me in Japanese what I wanted! 😄

[@samspencer582]

Is there many Japanese speaking in Hawaii and are many of them Japanese too? Maybe this is a stupid question, but I had to ask this of a person who knows.

[@spang9782]

@@samspencer582 Well, I should mention that I am ethnically Japanese, though I don't think I LOOK like a tourist. But many workers in the tourism industry here are able to speak Japanese simply because the sheer numbers of them who visit (pre-COVID). Hawaii itself is about 30% Japanese, though most of the younger generations are unable to speak the language.

[@samspencer582]

@@spang9782 Thank you for your answer.

[@princessthyemis]

wow cool!!!

[@zezsta]

Yeah that has also been my experience living in Hawaii. Most of my Japanese mates either know to speak it or just a few words. Depends on the family. The university of Hawai’i @ Manoa also has a good language program for Japanese for anyone who is interested. Has helped some of my friends have an easier time getting jobs at hotels or the tourist industry just by knowing/speaking the language well.

[@PowerPackers90]

well to be fair kids in America when making promise say "I cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye". so kids saying disturbing things when making a promise is universal lol

[@anastasiaarvanitidou4179]

Now imagine trying to translate this to someone who is in the process of learning english xD

[@animeloverXinuyasha]

Omg I always said that and didn't even realise until I read your comment! Shame on me for being surprised by the Japanese children

[@princessthyemis]

Whoa, I'm American and I've never heard of that second part...so gross :(

[@josephconnelly7939]

Don't forget the "Ring around the Rosies" song. A child's song about dying from the plague.

[@Gigachad-mc5qz]

What does cross my heart mean?

[@libertyprime7911]

Cultural differences in gestures are fascinating. 25:25 was my biggest misunderstanding: the Japanese palm-down wave that means "come here" -- When my teacher did it to me, I thought it meant "back up." And I did. I backed up against the wall of the teachers' conference room.

[@joostdriesens3984]

Oh nice one. take a couple of steps back, I would also interpret it like that.

[@michaelcaffery5038]

I had the same on holiday in Cuba. The come here gesture was a palm down wave like our 'go away' brushing away with the back of the fingers.

[@KxmpleteKxllapse]

that’s funny cause i wave down sometimes to tell my dog to come over lol

[@markthomasbrunbergmarkthom8883]

17:40 through 17:56 Easy medium hard difficult

[@dannyg.4421]

I was taught it meant "shoo fly dont bother me" by snubby people or if done nicely it means "could you please take a step back" The "come here" is if you flex your arm up and keep you hand flat pointing to the sky and then you wave your palm toward yourself 2 times. 3 or 4 times at a faster pace if you want them to walk faster across the street. 🏃‍♂️

[@Cobbbler]

When speaking with Japanese people, I highly highly recommend getting into the habit of doing the head nodding and the little confirming noises/phrases (look up あいづち for more info) Misa shows in this video. To you, it will feel awkward at first, like you're interrupting, but to the Japanese person it will make you feel less cold and less like a weird foreigner. Of course, many Japanese people know that some foreigners don't do this, but it still feels subconsciously like the person you're talking to isn't paying attention if they don't. To be honest, once you get used to it, it's kind of fun. It's like you get to add your own little live commentary track on top of what the other person is saying. Of course, the real challenge is then breaking the habit when you speak with non-Japanese people...still haven't figured that one out.

[@Bee19207]

Never been to Japan but somehow I have this habbit. I grew up in (and still live in) the USA. My mother thinks its rude :/

[@futavadumnezo]

No problem, I'm a Latin European, I will intrerupt your sentence from the moment you open your mouth. The way we talk is annoying but we can't help it!

[@animeloverXinuyasha]

I also have not worked out how to break the habit yet lol and unfortunately it's considered a bit rude where I'm from

[@TheUlquiorraCifer]

I have this habit as an American. I also get annoyed when others don't do it. It makes me feel like they're not listening.

[@gamermasterL]

Born and raised in America and I've always done this to show I'm listening.

[@stimpsonjcat26]

The "peace" sign actually originated during WW2 as a hand signal code for the word "victory"

[@libertyprime7911]

なる程

[@hopemarsala5156]

@@libertyprime7911 It was also used during the Vietnam war in America for people against the war. It means peace over war.

[@alanhilder1883]

As opposed to when Churchill dropped his cigar... :-) ( The V in the other direction )

[@ccreutzig]

From what I heard, it originated a long time before that, at a time when it was common to cut off one or two fingers from captured enemy archers, to show “I still have them.”

[@tormentor2285]

before victory it mean another thing... and funnily churchill didnt know that

[@Ariastyr]

The way Japanese casually nod, change eye contact, and make a noise when they're listening is 1000% better than the way they do it here in the US. Here, people either space out or they burn a hole through you with their eyes. Also, that girl was indeed extremely mean to you, Misa. Your laugh is adorable!

[@manderson416]

You can't get away with nodding in America unless someone is really getting into a story. The pressure's on and you're expected to respond.

[@davespriter]

@@manderson416 idk i live in america and all my friends get too nervous to keep talking about whatever theyre talking about if i don’t nod along and go “oh really? wow. i see. oh, interesting” the whole time

[@TeacherinTraining39]

The beckoning gesture actually confused me the first time I saw it. I was headed to eat lunch with a friend, back in college, and I thought when I saw him using the gesture to call me over, that he was telling me to go away. I started to leave, slightly bummed but thinking he had arranged to meet someone else for lunch that day, and he ran up to me saying "Wait! Where are you going??" We got into a bit of a similar lesson to what みさ先生 is giving, only from both sides. I taught him some American gestures, he taught me some Japanese gestures, and we were both surprised to see how many we have in common.

[@DiggOlive]

25:25

[@TeacherinTraining39]

@@DiggOlive lol, I know where the gesture was in the video. It doesn't confuse me *now.* Thanks for the pointer, though.

[@dougamolina]

When a child in brazil, I also used the 小指 to promise things, as well as to "make peace" with other children :D .. (and to "break the friendship" we used the 親指..).. now the bowing and nodding gestures are so interesting, they really feel like something natural and polite we should do.. I loved this lesson, thank you みさ先生！

[@LegendofMicah]

Coming from the US, the "come here" / "go away" gesture confusion was real. I don't know if I ever saw the gesture in Japan, but in Thailand, "come here" is exactly how we in the US would signal "go away, get out of here." I nodded apologetically (having no idea what offense I might have made) and walked away at least a couple times before I figured it out. 😅

[@MrDiarukia]

I'm living in Germany and I once stopped at a crosswalk and the asian-looking kids I was about to let across actually bowed to thank me. Totally unexpected, and somewhat cute.

[@alexis.d.santos]

Speaking for Italiens, Portuguese and Germans bowing if a car let's you pass is relatively normal. Or even if you want to thank somebody, but its more like a small bow (maybe 15° or less) with a subtile nod at the same time . It's like a more extended and polite form of tthe nod. It's also either used to express "thank you" or "you are welcome". It not like everybody does this but you will mostly see for example waiter do this gesture.✌ Great video by the way. I learned a lot 😁

[@sheilamckinnon9063]

The “sumimasen hand” is a powerful way to get through a crowd! It helped so much when getting off a crowded train at your stop 😂

[@timothycook]

Also the "Wink", at least in the US, can mean you're fooling around or kidding. In a group of people, if you are addressing one individual and putting on your best acting skills to lay the way for the sickest joke, you would wink at the others in the group when your target is not looking, to let them know you're kidding. :P

[@futavadumnezo]

I heard in some cultures that's offensive

[@xia751]

It's also a kidding/inside joke gesture in france

[@ThreadBomb]

The basic meaning of the wink is that it is a secret, non-verbal signal of something that cant be said out loud.

[@KxmpleteKxllapse]

some ppl wink when they are hitting someone up or flirting w them. from my experience or jokingly too

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

US culture that shows every kid downward spiral tragedies like Britney Spears and Miley cyrus, tries to cover it up and censor the fact even CHILDREN think Guts Pose means "ramming things into... places". That's why nintendo had to censor it from Mario Kart, while Americans pretend and try to point fingers that other places are more abusive than Western liberal countries. Facts speak for themselves, unfortunately Freedom of Speech means freedom to choose alternative facts. Huxley 101.

[@BlueSwede92]

In Sweden instead of crossing our fingers we hold our thumbs with a fist. The phrase "hold one's thumbs" ("hålla tummarna") basically means the same thing as "fingers crossed" in English. Crossing your fingers to me means that you're lying.

[@EdwardMichael3]

fingers crossed can also mean "I hope this happens" or "I wish you good luck"

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

Wath in the hail are you babbeling on about? There is no such thing in sweden. If you meant "halla dumparna" you would be correct. Must be a long time since you visited sweden?

[@BlueSwede92]

@@swedishpsychopath8795 Vad snackar _du_ om? Det finns ju inget som heter "halla dumparna". Och nej, det var inte länge sedan jag "besökte" Sverige. Jag tror inte jag har lämnat Sverige sedan covidpandemin började.

[@thomaskolb8785]

@@swedishpsychopath8795 There is no such things as "halla dumparna", that is just a nonsense phrase with made up fantasy words. Holding your thumbs in the palm of your hands means "I'm hoping for the best". The phrase "Jag ska hålla tummarna för dig" (I will hold my thumbs for you) is saying "I am rooting for you". Crossing fingers behind your back means that you are lying but you are asking for forgiveness (originally from God).

[@swedishpsychopath8795]

@@thomaskolb8785 That is not true. If you were a real swede you would know.

[@sierrrrrrrra]

Your laugh is wonderful!!! Thanks for the great content, as always :D

[@-Aidan]

Honestly the amount of laughter that spawned due to my wifes poses! I'm British & wife Japanese, I thought she was winding me up, i was so sure she was just taking all the rude and offensive british gestures and creating some nice Japanese meaning behind it so she could do it to me XD!

[@section1595]

Your channel/this video just got recommended to me…perhaps because I’ve been learning Japanese. With that being said… I appreciate the words at the bottom & how you show how to pronounce them! It’s really a good tool for folks like myself being brand new to the language & culture! 😊 Thanks 🙏🏻 & hellur from ‘MURICA 👋🏻🇺🇸🦅

[@anak_kucing101]

Americans learning Japanese, it's cool. 😎

[@gazmirshyti4063]

Misa is back!!! I'm so glad she's looking so healthy and happy

[@billsherman6129]

I'm a first-time viewer located in the USA. Wonderfully done! You are wise beyond your years. Thank you for making me smile with your well worded explanations -- especially when it comes to sensitive topics. I will now have a better idea of what some Anime characters are expression when they make certain motions and hand gestures.

[@OogyLix]

The fist gesture is called the Monteursfaust in Germany. In our company the technicians greet each other by showing the IRON Fist. Which is a song by Motorhead.

[@trajectoryunown]

That's metal. ✊ What's your company, if you don't mind me asking? I'm just interested if there's a customer-facing side that I might be able to check out if I ever visit Germany.

[@FF2Guy]

First of all, congratulations on your manga translation! It’s amazing to think that a lot of these gestures came from or at least were inspired by the West. The peace sign is an obvious one. I think the holding the bicep pose gesture is from the “Rosie the Riveter” poster from World War II. And the pinky promise is of course a western custom. I wonder if yubikiri (finger cutting) might be a reference to Yakuza because they cut off a finger to show loyalty. Winking in the West is used to hint at something, kind of like offering a suggestion. Hands together 🙏 is used in religion as showing a prayer to God but had come to be understood as begging. In the West or at least in America, we show money by rubbing the thumb on the index finger and middle finger simultaneously, especially when asking for money. And the sign for come here is curling upward the index finger.

[@sugarzblossom8168]

That sticking your tongue out and pulling your eye lid is also something done in some countries

[@greenyonder]

A lot of these gestures are very gendered. And also age-dependent. I still, 35 years after leaving Japan, do the chopping/bowing motion as I'm moving through crowds. Occasionally I still find myself covering my mouth as I laugh, too.

[@fat_yankee_gaijin]

If I recall correctly, the reasoning why the v sign with the palm facing you is considered offensive to some is because back in the medieval era, English longbowmen would use that gesture as a taunt towards the French because the French would have supposedly cut off those 2 fingers of any archers they captured so they wouldn't be able to use their bows anymore because of how dangerous and effective they were. Don't know if this is entirely true or not, but thought it was interesting enough to share

[@EldenRoys]

I think you’re confusing with the middle one

[@malokeytheallaround]

@Dark Boys it’s actually both. They are both offensive in Britain for that reason.

[@andrewprahst2529]

Yes, that's the explanation I've heard as well

[@pyndahvickers946]

Kiryu-chan. You are correct giving the "V" sign stems from the Hundred Years’ War with the French. Fingernails facing forward is offensive, fingernails facing backwards is the peace sign, single middle finger up equals "up yours".

[@bandiceet]

I've heard the same story - though the version I heard was that it was Joan of Arc that implemented it. The two fingers was a way to say "Hey Frenchie! I still got my fingers..." and the single middle finger was to say "Yeah still got one left...."

[@TanlogCen]

This lesson is so interesting that I will follow you all the time.

[@plimsoul27]

This is the first time I've seen you Misa...your English is great....and you describe so well many things about Japanese gestures that I always wondered about and never knew. Love your channel...thank you!

[@MrBoDiggety]

OMG, This chick is such a WEALTh of knowledge. I wish I have the time to watch more. I want to live in Japan part-time but I don't have the time to hear all of Misa's lessons. I've studied Pinsleurs for almost 2 years but it's gonna take a LOT more. Much love Misa! I need some discipline.

[@B._Smith]

I just saw the eye lid and tounge thing in anime and I had no idea. Looked cute/funny. 😆 As soon as I saw your thumbnail pic for video I had to find out what it meant.

[@specialist_from_1980]

"Not licking any cats" 😆 It was very funny) Прямо насмешила, еще такой интерпретации не слышал😁

[@alli7843]

you have a beautiful smile and laugh! I'm sad that anyone would ever say something like that, especially to someone so sweet. I thank you for teaching us!!

[@leamarie9422]

I appreciate your very informative videos. Whenever I am not mentally up for extra study, I feel like I’m not totally slacking off as I always learn something new. いつもみささんのビデオが好きだ。ありがとうございます😊

[@malokeytheallaround]

The nodding/random noises thing is quite funny. I think a lot of Americans would find it annoying or unpleasant bc it looks like you’re getting them to hurry up and stop talking (almost kind of interrupting when making all those nosies) 😂 I nod a lot and go “mhm mhm mhm” when I’m not interested and want them to shut up. Guess I have to keep that in mind.

[@Sp3ctralI]

Kind of me too, but yet I don’t find it really annoying

[@Sp3ctralI]

@Kewliope Jones I’m pretty sure it’s a person type of thing

[@KxmpleteKxllapse]

@@Sp3ctralI ya it is rlly cuz anyone cann find anything unpleasant lmao. just personal preference to everyone.

[@vm4890]

I never thought it might seem dirty to make these gestures because they are in context.

[@waterfilledglass]

Deff agree. I would take it like they aren't understanding the conversation for sure. It'd be more so that they're just waiting for me to stop talking so they could leave rather than intently listening. However, spaced out quick nods and an "uh huh" wouldn't be so bad as long as it wasnt constant. Especially if something note worthy was said right before that moment.

[@AnActualDuck]

When you mentioned pinching cheeks it got me wondering why it's such a common form of a sort of playful punishment in anime and if people actually ever do that irl

[@blackrosenuk]

First, your laugh is infectiously great. I absolutely love it! Second, in America, べー is akin to "nana nana boo boo" (which is often followed by "stick your head in poo poo" and then sticking the tongue out straight).

[@_PM__]

It is interesting how, in Japan, the sign that someone is listening to you is exactly the opposite from what it would be in the US, and I'm sure most other western nations. When we're not listening we tend to nod our head and give the occasional uh-huh, yes, sure, and so on. Our minds could be a million miles away but we not our heads and make small verbal interjections to pretend we are listening. The polite way to show you are listening is eye contact and silence, allowing the speaker to speak without interruption, unless they prompt you for a response.

[@goaserer]

As a European I'd go for some happy middleground here. tbh if someone silently stares at me without any reaction for more than a few sentences they might be listening but I'd have to assume that they don't have a clue what I'm talking about. Especially in a business context. I'd say a little active listening would be expected here, but I agree that the Japanese way of constant feedback would also seem somewhat out of place

[@coversine479]

I’m pretty sure it isn’t rude in the US either, but it’s certainly not so important or required as in Japanese. But some people clearly do it to “pretend” like they’re listening like you said (why they do it I don’t know, because it’s usually very obvious they’re just pretending). If you never respond to someone while they’re speaking for a long time they might start to wonder if you’re listening

[@_PM__]

@@coversine479 I suppose it would depend on the situation. In casual conversation you might get away with it, but in a work, or business setting, I think it would, at best, be considered impolite. In a work setting, if I were explaining something to an employee, I would find myself pausing every time a sound left their mouth. It's just a reflex as we usually hold conversations, especially important ones, where one person is talking at a time. If I heard an uh-huh I would find myself pausing if only for a split second. That, or I'd find myself talking over interjections, and we tend to think that a person can't talk and listen simultaneously. If it were only the occasional interjection, I would be more understanding as an "I understand" can help reassure they are understanding what I am explaining to them, but a nonstop barrage would drive me, as the speaker, insane. I think many people would feel the same as we usually don't appreciate people talking over us, even if it is just a never ending stream of, "I see". "I understand", "Yes". "mmm hmm", and so on. Then again, maybe it is just me.

[@david2869]

@@goaserer In the US if you want to show you are listening to someone, you can nod slowly and silently while maintaining eye contact. You also should keep a serious look (not a smile) on your face.

[@macgyverthediver5250]

This comment thread confuses the hell out of me. I'm a born, bred, and corn fed american and the only thing I gotta say is....were none of y'all taught active listening? This is 100% taught in the U.S. as well. Who the hell taught you guys to silently stare at people, like....what?

[@anyonenoone9968]

your hair colours are always so pretty 💖

[@KuraiSol]

On the arm polishing stance, it's still used in the US but mostly in reference to Rosie the Riveter. It was a way to say "I can do it" by showing off muscles. A variant of this that you might see more, but still rarely, is where the elbow is pointed more downwards.

[@emerald9054]

When I was a kid I watched a baseball anime called Big Windup! (おおきく振りかぶって), and the protagonist team's catcher used the middle finger gesture as a legit sign for the pitcher. Made me think that most Japanese people didn't know what that meant to most Western cultures. Interesting to hear that most Japanese people know what it means even though they don't use it.

[@thecharlieramirez]

Misa-sensei always coming out with great content! 💜 I loved the culture lesson. 💖

[@awegahn]

Three more gestures I could think of that could be added to the list are: 1. "Batsu" - either crossing your fingers (separate hands), to tell someone "NO". This is an opposite to "Maru" which is "YES". Now both the "batsu" and the "maru" could be done with only the fingers, but at a distance you could use your whole arms to signal it from afar. Or to extenuate the feeling or response even at close range. Doing the full body "maru" you would make a circle with your arms over your head, touching the tips of your fingers. When doing the full body "batsu" you would cross your entire arms in front of your torso. 2. "Iya ya ya" - Basically the "no no no", saying that "that praise, gratitude, or apology is not needed or called for". What you do is you simply shake your hand in front of you from left to right in a fast motion. 3. "Hazukashii/Tereru" Putting your hand behind your head - especially as a guy is a way to tell the other person that you are embarrassed or that you are getting way too much praise. I've understood this is considered a sign of humility among Japanese, which is thought of as either cute or conscientious. Great video Misa, I liked hearing about all the Japanese mannerisms. It was a blast to the past for me as I lived in Japan 20 years ago.

[@mikeball1397]

“Up yours” killed me 🤣🤣 Misa killing with the jokes!! Also Misa you have a great smile!

[@helixxia9320]

The gesture at 06:05 i remember my teacher do to us when we were kids. if we said "noo that is too much homework to give us" then he would just do that face nd say "well too bad!" it was kind of fun. this was in norway. i like how many countries have things that overlap in culture even if we are far away

[@NiGHTS1980]

Its funny that you mentioned someone said when you laughed it was ugly because all this time I was thinking its one of your most attractive qualities. And that Japanese childrens song sounds like they are prepping themselves to join the Yakuza later on in life.

[@Alan-xt4yj]

みさちゃん、I love this video especially this part 23:16, you are so funny. Thank you for explaining these gestures.♡

[@Shady272]

相変わらずいい動画、ありがとう！

[@WinryRockbellElric]

I taught my friends in highschool the "money/rich" gesture, so we used to throw it to each other to secretly say a guy was attractive and it led to our entire friends group using "money" as an adjective for beauty 😂😂😂 We'd be like "ayo that dude is M O N EY" "gurl that dress is m o n e y" Or "i love your hair. Straight up money" 😂

[@bushy9780]

careful. If a guy sees you do that in front of him, he's going to think you are a gold digger.

[@janne9034]

That reminded me of Stalekracker in KZbin.

[@sugarzblossom8168]

@@bushy9780 or that you're rolling in all that doe

[@MrZenGuitarist]

@@bushy9780 I'll have to agree. At least 99% of all guys (as in men) would probably be a goner as soon as he'ld see that....or, 'treat you' like a "gold-digger" (that is see you exclusively as a 'one-night-stand'). I don't mean to be rude - I'm just giving my honest input.

[@giulytsme]

Wow you really went in depth with the gestures! Unlike any other channel I saw! Misa is 一番！

[@Fantomyogurt]

Not from the US but technically from the west here! It’s so interesting to see how mannerisms differ from country to country… but when someone explains what they are it just, makes sense they correspond to that? For example from where I’m from the way we count instead is by revealing the fingers one by one instead of closing them Also the pinch cheek thing. Once a random grandma did this to me when I was like 12 It was extremely weird because I didn’t know her 😅

[@dudo4ok]

The way how lights reflects in Your eyes is gorgeous! Intentionally or not but you got my attention to say the least. Content is overhelmingly good, saturated and precented in a cute manner, need to check other Your videos!

[@SomeGuyFromUtah]

My Army buddy married a girl from Japan. I only spent a few days with them when they stayed over while on a trip, but one thing I really thought was cool was when she said goodbye she would stay where we said goodbye and wave until the person was out of sight. I thought that was a really nice gesture that means a little more than just waving/hugging and then turning around and leaving as the person drives off.

[@colonelbasic9736]

As an Englishman I found the first 10 mins of this video incredibly offensive........and i liked it.

[@Bikerpunk330]

Looks like you had a lot of fun filming this video Misa sensei. Thanks it was very informative. Until the next lesson then! ✌️

[@mrsmoothables]

super helpful as someone who just moved to japan! thank you!

[@alfjones6377]

Japanese women have the cutest gestures. They evoke so much admiration and awe from men. Japanese women are just, simply, beyond comparison. I don't mean this as an invidious juxtaposition to deprecate other women, but we all have our preference, no?

[@eruantien9932]

I feel, as an English, because I know this is pretty unique to us, I should let people know that the "palm towards you" two fingers gesture is considered offensive in the UK. The story is that, ~600-700 years ago, the French would cut the fingers off of English archers (there's no actual evidence of this), so English longbowmen would do this to taunt their enemies by showing those fingers (because "I still have my shooting fingers"). Outside of the UK, as I understand it, it's no different than an 'outwards palm' gesture, i.e. no harm to anyone. (Personally, I wouldn't normally consider it offensive - it's usually only odd when others don't pose, and we're quite desensitised to it in current times. But some people may be highly offended; it can be seen worse than flipping someone off or saying "fuck you").

[@HenshinFanatic]

Don't forget the bicep polish gesture, a.k.a. the European counterpart to flipping the bird.

[@greyfox3954]

that thing with the promise-song has its roots back in *kojiki* I feel. There was a thread a Kami gave, Yomotsu Okami, I think to bring death upon 1000 people a day, whereas another Kami vowed to bring life to 10.000 more

[@telchar]

This was pretty interesting. What I want to know is if there's some gesture equivalent to the "fingers crossed" and "knock on wood" ones. Like is there some gesture to communicate wanting good luck or hoping you didn't just say something too soon? I second guess myself a lot so I like those gestures lol

[@Acerock7]

桑原桑原

[@NiwatiX]

12:00 your laugh is the cutest, she was just jealous of you guaranteed, you have beautiful white teeth and a very heartwarming smile, it feels very honest when you smile, not many people have that.

[@Aduard]

11:35 wise decision Truthfully, your sense of humor is such a nice addition when teaching this language (japanese sometimes is hard..) どうもありがとう😊

[@williamestes4169]

I don't really have a strong grasp of Japanese but I am interested in learning it, however, getting interested in learning words and phrases is hard (super beginner is the worst place to be...). I really do like your format on how you do your words in hiragana, romaji, and English that is color-coded to specify what in the English matches up with the romaji and hiragana. I have an Idea for you with using that format for teaching that is both fun and innovative in two ways. The first is the bigger and most interesting, use your formatting and translation for songs. Where there are a lot of songs that show romaji with the English translation, none of them use your color-coding to link up what is being said in the Japanese lyrics to the English translation. The second is more educational (where you can use your teaching style to explain while doing it) is "Storytime". Basically, you read a book, be it a low level like a child's book or a high level, and use your unique color-coding translation to romaji/hiragana, to specify what the reading means. At times breaking off, as you do, to explain the nuances of the reading. This could get a lot more people interested in learning not only how to speak Japanese but also more casually integrating it into their memories (like how pneumonics work). The song translation also has an added bonus of bringing up viewership so that your get more people on your channel as an added bonus. People look for song translations and understand equals introduction to your lessons and other content. Win-win. Anyways thank you for all your content and I really hope I can watch more (when I understand better) of your videos.

[@greengraciano6846]

I'm not a very expressive person, so I imagine I would come off badly in Japan. That being said I'm pretty shy, so things like bowing might be easier to pick up and I already apologize when anyone does anything for me lol. I also have a habit of thanking people when I've done something for them. Probably not a Japanese thing, but who knows? lol

[@amalaylay]

That blanket on the back of your chair is sooo cute!

[@robinmacomber9572]

Thank you so much Misa! You are inspiring me to learn Japanese and enjoy the culture too :) ありがとうございます

[@michaelmunno]

so informative! you are so cute, pretty, adorable and a great teacher to learn from. Every time I take the time to watch your videos, I am entertained and educated! thank you. keep smiling and sharing that awesome laugh! :)

[@lol-rl5fy]

Finally!!! New video!! You are so funnyy and a great teacherrr

[@martinboyle9163]

You are very beautiful! ;) I am scripting and directing an expressionist play this year, and I want the production to present it in the style of Kabuki theatre. This video is invaluable resource material for the many ways I want my actors to portray their characters. Thank you for a delightful and very informative video! Arigatou!

[@OpticfIare]

omg i love this channel already you are very charismatic :D

[@Si-mc6dl]

Some interesting history on the peace or V sign. During World War 2, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill found himself using the V sign when posing for news photographers. However, the back of his hand was facing forwards and not the palm. This brought a negative reaction from his cabinet as the gesture means "Up your bum" The people thought it was quite funny as if to mock Adolf Hitler. To keep up appearances he still used the gesture but had his palm facing forwards. The gesture became known as the victory gesture. It's also said that within the medieval English army, archers would use the same gesture with the back hand facing forwards in the face of their enemies to mock them, as their enemies would cut off the bowstring fingers of captured archers so they could no longer be a threat. Whether or not that is true is debated. But I like to think it's true. I wouldn't put it past medieval chivalry.

[@defunctchannel942]

さすがみさ先生！Another great video!

[@elianedorval2845]

The money gesture in canada means that if u look at it, the person that did the sign can punch you on the shoulder. Before we had to do it on the knee but now we dont really care anymore and do it in the air.

[@vin-metal5192]

I've gotten into Japanese music the last few years as well as movies and this tutorial on gestures was very helpful. I figured some of these out from context but your explanations helped fill in what I hadn't understood yet. Great video and I found your down to earth style made it more enjoyable too!

[@destined2pog]

So charming and nice. You deserve every view, thank you for your incredible, in-depth free content!

[@lunalui]

みさ先生 your international mastery of certain subjects always amazes me! Il prossimo livello sarà tradurre i gesti italiani in giapponese. I know you can read Italian and I'm sure you can make it 😉😁 I bet it'd be fun

[@BowsettesFury]

What a precious little lady, so glad I stumbled upon this. ☺️

[@garydell2023]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@spiderrico4410]

I just when thought Misa-sensei couldn't be any more charming, we see 6:25. This was a fun episode, and I really appreciate that you're never afraid to look a little silly. It's an endearing trait.

[@christiankolbeck7380]

I LOVE your smile and see you laughing! ❤❤❤❤ Please let People see it, youre makin them happy! 😍😍😍🥰

[@nastybandit322]

Making the peace sign backwards is like a cheeky/provocative thing in Australia. I find people do it to pretend to be mad more than actually use it to display anger.

[@joostdriesens3984]

Good point, isn't that because it has become al little bit of an old-fashioned gesture..? I'm Dutch, we don't use it at all, but we know it.

[@ncochran01]

Shi for 4. I don't hear it that often. Most of the books teach that yon is more common. Plus Babymetal made an entire song about "Yon"

[@DogeMultiverse]

misa when talking in english: low pitched misa when talking in Japanese: high pitched

[@WisdomTree2024]

very delightful to see, much informative, TY :)

[@jaquaviuspeterson8785]

こんにちはみさ先生お元気ですかこの動画のテーマはすごく面白かった日本人はこんなポーズをやりを見たことがあるけど全部の意味を知らなかった意味を教えてくれてありがとうございますちなみみさ先生の髪の色がすごくきれいで似合います

[@miguelleal176]

Misaの笑顔は本当にきれいだと思います

[@kelseyjaffer]

I did martial arts for 10 years growing up, and I still instinctively do the little bows when greeting people, letting people go past, or thanking people! Also, so interesting to hear that 🙏🏼 is primarily used in Japan for apologies and “please”! As an American, I mostly use it for “thank you”-so 🙏🏼 thank you for your amazing, thorough videos!

[@DavidSmith-tz9bx]

love your accent🙂it's kinda different in a good way, I had to keep listening and really enjoyed the video

[@SuperYoda7]

oh man 3min into the video and she already cheered me up. thanks Misa, your just great.

[@galas455]

I'm impressed with your communication skills, you handled the delicate expressions very well. In short, I learned a lot and was not offended in the least, thank you.

[@Menion98]

This was good!! Another good one is the double blink when you don’t understand someone. The slower and more exaggerated, the more passive aggressive!

[@Jianju69]

Your explanations are so charming! Thank you.

[@digital_afrodisiac]

For some reason the three arms joke was unreasonably hilarious to me.

[@OogyLix]

No BS, honestly your English is perfect!

[@terrydelorme]

Fascinating! I think you did a very good job explaining some of the more difficult to understand gestures most western people may have never seen or seen only in anime. Thank you for sharing.

[@slowmarchingband1]

My wife has photos from her school days in Asaka in the '80s and she's always doing the peace sign with her friends! One thing I'd never seen before I saw her do it, is tapping the forefinger tips together, like a pleading. I've seen it in anime too.

[@goatbone]

Great information here. In the west (I'm Australian but what I will comment is most likely the same in English speaking countries) we use the term 'pinch me' as in 'pinch me I'm dreaming' or "pinch me I must be dreaming.' Not really sure where it comes from originally. It is also common to point at or put your hand on your chest when talking about yourself. We also have a similar promise rhyme (from when I was a kid) "Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye." The 'paper money' sign is done palm facing up or towards yourself, all fingers together in a fist except the index and thumb for the gesture.

[@soupchef1319]

I like how you wink perfectly and then immediately claim to not be able to wink lol. Thank you for your lessons みさ先生

[@williaml.santos9621]

"licking cats" 🤣🤣🤣

[@JasonBeam7]

This is fascinating and very informative!

[@MidnightMind]

本当便利ですねえ！ありがとうございました！

[@lookslikeit1151]

Just came across your page and you were very informative as I have come across many Japanese tourist where I live so this will help me when I interact with. I do have some knowledge of Japanese custom when interacting with others, but this help even more. Though I don't get as much as i use to. Thanks for sharing.

[@fredross3089]

Well done and very informative! Thsnks!

[@zacky5315]

Thanks for these videos. I'm trying to learning Japanese and to find such good explanations and sweet person doing the teaching is a blessing. . As for talking to someone we, in America, look at the person eye to eye. In some countries people talks looking everywhere else and that seems that a person doesn't give a damn about.