Okinawan Language

Hello, everyone! Long time no see, how’ve you been?

Here in Okinawa, cherry blossoms are blooming...’ Kanhi Sakura’, which is bright pink and similar to plum blossoms, is the main type of the cherry trees in Okinawa. It’s very beautiful! Enjoy it, too!

 
  Well, have you ever heard or spoken Okinawan local language? It is called ‘Uchinaaguchi’ in Okinawan dialect. Today I'll introduce some phrases of them to you. 

   

'Hello'  'Hi'

*’Haisai’ (for men's usage)   *‘Haitai’ (for women's usage)

'Thank you'

*‘Nife de biru’

"Itadaki masu"(*we say this phrase before eating to show our gratitude to the meal and the person who cooked and served.)

*’Kwacchi sabira’

"Gochiso samadeshita"(*we again show the gratitude after the meal)

*’Kwacchi sabitan’

'It’s delicious'.

*’Ma sai bin’

‘Please’(*used when you want someone to do something)

*’Unige sabira’

'How are you?'

*’Ganju desuka’

'Good luck!' 'Do your best!'

*’Chibariyo’

                                    

 
The speakers of original Okinawan language are decreasing. I have some friends who can speak it, but sometimes I can't understand what they say in the language...I think I need to study it.

When you come to stay in Okinawa, why don't you try speaking the local languge?

 

Enjoy Okinawa!!

Shizuka,