Japanese Language Stack Exchange
Japanese Language Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [pragmatics]

語用論. The branch of linguistics dealing with language in use and the contexts in which it is used.

35 questions
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What is the difference between 預金 and 入金?

Both 預金{よきん} and 入金{にゅうきん} can mean deposit. Is there any difference in the usage of these terms?
user1602
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What does 外国人のように imply in this sentence?

My friend is reading a book, and it contains the following sentence: すると、高畑は外国人のように両手を上げる仕草をした。 Why does this say 外国人のように? Are foreigners known for a particular gesture in which we raise both our arms...? When I read this sentence, I feel like…
user1478
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Is usage of ように appropritate in "Offer to do something"?

One of the options in LastPass.com is "Offer to generate a secure password". In Japanese version it is translated as "安全なパスワードを生成するように提案". Is the usage of ように here delivers the meaning of "offer to do something"? Would it be more accurate to…
user1602
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What is a meaning of 予約 on the washing machine?

According to JMDict 予約 is translated as reservation;  appointment;  booking;  advance order contract;  subscription;  pledge None of the meanings above seem to make sense to one of the function labels on a washing machine.
user1602
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What does 円分 mean after a number?

Is 分 a counter after 円 following a number, e.g. 500円分?
user1602
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What is the difference between 搾る and 絞る?

According to JMDict both 搾る and 絞る mean squeeze. Is there a difference in their usage? I noticed that 搾る is used to describe the process of beer making, can 絞る be used alternatively in this case?
user1602
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What is the order of importance of 重大 重要 大切 大事

What is the difference in order of importance and contextual usage of the following: 重大 重要 大切 大事
user1602
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Are 結局 and てしまう equivalent in terms of expressing "end up doing something"?

Out of the following two sentences, which one is more natural to say "I ended up eating all ice-cream"? 結局はアイスクリームを全部食べた。 アイスクリームを全部食べてしまった。
user1602
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What is the difference between 納入 and 支払?

My water bill reads 納入 is due, but the credit card bill says お支払い. What is the difference between these two terms?
user1602
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What is semantic difference between using or omitting verb 持つ as an attributive?

In the following sentence from wiki page for 言葉遊び, what extra information does the verb 持つ carry? 言葉の持つ音の響きやリズムを楽しんだり... Will the meaning of the sentence change if it is dropped? 言葉の音の響きやリズムを楽しんだり...
user1602
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Is 更新予約 a valid term for a "Scheduled Update"?

My Samsung tablet has a setting item ソフトウェアの更新予約. Switching language to English has it "Scheduled software updates". I searched for 更新予約 on internet and did not find many hits for this term. Has Samsung got it right by labeling "Scheduled software…
Nutkin
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What word to use to refer to a manager at a gym/drug store?

According to JMDict there are so many words for a manager depending on the context. Can someone provide clarification on the context of each term? What is the most appropriate term for a gym manager or a drug store manager? Is the borrowed term…
user1602
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Why past form of a verb is used instead of passive past?

Sending an email with GMail app on Android in the Airplane mode produces the following message: キューに追加しました "(the app) added (the message) to the queue" Switching to English interface yields: Queued (short for "The message has been queued" - I…
user1602
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Can もすこし遠かったら be used to mean "too far"?

Can もすこし遠かったら be used in the following sentence to mean if it is too far I will not go. もすこし遠かったら行かないんですが。
Nutkin
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What attributive to use to express "clean" in "clean hands"?

Which attributive: きれい or 清潔 sounds more natural to say "clean hands"?
user1602
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