Idiomatic expressions

Tachi · Feb 18, 2003, 13:48

I often enjoy attempting to translate some of my favorite English Country Music songs into Japanese as I am listening to them on the radio, for example. I have often wondered what appropriate idomatic equivalents might be to some phrases in English, both in music and in print.

For example: We sometimes sign a letter "Love". What would be the equivalent in Japanese? Japanese letter formats are totally different from the English.

What are some of the terms of endearment in Japanese? "Darling", "Sweetheart", etc?

I like to perform and sing; I need some help, occasionally with some phrases..... of course, there are often significant cultural differences, too, that make simple translation somewhat awkward, to say the least!

Thanks!

Tachi

Maciamo · Feb 18, 2003, 21:50

Japanese doesn't have so many terms of endearment. They usually come straight from English :

darling = da-ringu
sweetheart = suito ha-to

toukon · Feb 24, 2003, 19:31

hitomebore　love at first sight..

kataomoi）unrequitted love

kubittake　head over heels in love
mi wo kogasu --so in love with someone

naresome）beginning of love

nareai you are too familiar with the other person..so ... the feeling of first love is not there

Tachi · Feb 25, 2003, 01:01

Thanks for the suggestions on "terms of endearment"! Please keep those phrases coming. I can use them in translations of songs. I work mostly with Country & Western music. Thank you.

Regards,
Tachi

Feb 18, 2003, 13:48	#1
Tachi Junior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Location: Tucson, Arizona Age: 63 Posts: 19	Idiomatic expressions I often enjoy attempting to translate some of my favorite English Country Music songs into Japanese as I am listening to them on the radio, for example. I have often wondered what appropriate idomatic equivalents might be to some phrases in English, both in music and in print. For example: We sometimes sign a letter "Love". What would be the equivalent in Japanese? Japanese letter formats are totally different from the English. What are some of the terms of endearment in Japanese? "Darling", "Sweetheart", etc? I like to perform and sing; I need some help, occasionally with some phrases..... of course, there are often significant cultural differences, too, that make simple translation somewhat awkward, to say the least! Thanks! Tachi

Feb 18, 2003, 21:50	#2
Maciamo Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Jul 17, 2002 Location: Austrasia Posts: 6,647	Japanese doesn't have so many terms of endearment. They usually come straight from English : darling = da-ringu sweetheart = suito ha-to __________________ Over 100 destinations in the Japan Sightseeing Guide + detailed Tokyo Guide and Kyoto Guide Eupedia : Your Guide to Europe in English Read the "Maciamo FAQ" "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?", Winston Churchill.

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Feb 24, 2003, 19:31	#3
toukon Junior Member Join Date: Feb 24, 2003 Age: 27 Posts: 1	hitomebore　love at first sight.. kataomoi）unrequitted love kubittake　head over heels in love mi wo kogasu --so in love with someone naresome）beginning of love nareai you are too familiar with the other person..so ... the feeling of first love is not there

Feb 25, 2003, 01:01	#4
Tachi Junior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Location: Tucson, Arizona Age: 63 Posts: 19	Thanks for the suggestions on "terms of endearment"! Please keep those phrases coming. I can use them in translations of songs. I work mostly with Country & Western music. Thank you. Regards, Tachi