Of Katakana & Ramen....

Taiko · Jul 4, 2006, 22:58

If Katakana is used for foreign words, why is it always used to spell Ramen?

JimmySeal · Jul 4, 2006, 23:10

Because ramen is a foreign word.

Try not to make such strong statements. They're not absolutely true.

Silverpoint · Jul 4, 2006, 23:19

Katakana is also used for many purposes in daily life. Not just for foreign words.

doinkies · Jul 5, 2006, 01:25

Yeah, katakana can also be used to emphasize a word, kind of like making words bold. It's often used this way in ads and books (especially manga).

Mike Cash · Jul 5, 2006, 03:03

Originally Posted by Taiko

If Katakana is used for foreign words, why is it always used to spell Ramen?

As Jimmy pointed out, because ramen is a foreign word.

Also, katakana isn't always used to write ramen. You can also find it in hiragana, kanji, and romaji.

doinkies · Jul 5, 2006, 06:09

Indeed - though I most often see it written in katakana.

The word ramen comes from the Chinese word "lo mein" or something similar sounding...

Jul 4, 2006, 22:58	#1
Taiko "Dreams are free." Join Date: Jul 2, 2006 Location: Yokohama area Age: 44 Posts: 2	Of Katakana & Ramen.... If Katakana is used for foreign words, why is it always used to spell Ramen?

Jul 5, 2006, 01:25	#4
doinkies ガイジン娘。 Join Date: Dec 21, 2005 Age: 20 Posts: 411	Yeah, katakana can also be used to emphasize a word, kind of like making words bold. It's often used this way in ads and books (especially manga). __________________ あなたが好きだと言ったこの街並みが今日も暮れてゆきます広い空と遠くの山々　二人で歩いた街夕日がきれいな街 -森高千里の「渡良瀬橋」からどいんきぃずの屋　～　ドインキーズの日本語のブログ Last edited by doinkies; Jul 5, 2006 at 06:11.

Jul 5, 2006, 03:03	#5
Mike Cash Delusions of Adequacy Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: Japan Posts: 5,417	Originally Posted by Taiko If Katakana is used for foreign words, why is it always used to spell Ramen? As Jimmy pointed out, because ramen is a foreign word. Also, katakana isn't always used to write ramen. You can also find it in hiragana, kanji, and romaji. __________________ Kiva: Loans That Change Lives

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Jul 4, 2006, 23:10	#2
JimmySeal Tubthumper Join Date: Mar 5, 2006 Location: Japan Age: 27 Posts: 1,301	Because ramen is a foreign word. Try not to make such strong statements. They're not absolutely true.

Jul 4, 2006, 23:19	#3
Silverpoint Banned Join Date: Jul 17, 2005 Age: 36 Posts: 426	Katakana is also used for many purposes in daily life. Not just for foreign words.

Jul 5, 2006, 06:09	#6
doinkies ガイジン娘。 Join Date: Dec 21, 2005 Age: 20 Posts: 411	Indeed - though I most often see it written in katakana. The word ramen comes from the Chinese word "lo mein" or something similar sounding...