"Don't Let People Think You're Carefree! Common Kanji and Typographical Errors in Japanese Seen on Social Media"

2020.02.06 published

<Bride's Letter> Be Careful with Kanji and Expressions.

The Climax of the Reception: The Bride's Letter.

It's an emotional time when the bride expresses her gratitude to her parents, and all the guests are looking forward to it! *

When writing the bride's letter,

many brides are conscious of whether there are any rude contexts for the listeners or if there are any terms that cannot be used at weddings,

(which is of course important!)

However, it is absolutely crucial to avoid typographical errors in Kanji and Hiragana when it is written. *

Especially for the parents of the person to whom the letter is addressed, not only will it be read aloud on the day, but the actual letter will also be handed over.

If the daughter makes some minor yet common mistakes when reading the letter later, it may cause some concern...

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce examples of mistakes in Japanese kanji and typographical errors that modern brides, who are said to be from the relaxed generation, are prone to making

(often seen making mistakes in SNS posts).

Please be careful when writing the bride's letter, so your parents can feel proud of how well you have been raised! *

@a_uink

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ① ~ to say, ~ to speak of

<Incorrect Example> This venue can have a performance called drop and fly.

<Incorrect Example> Speaking of emotional performances, it's the bride's letter.

Words like "~ to say" and "~ to speak of" are commonly used. I think you will encounter many of them in the bride's letter.

However, using kanji as in "~ to say" or "~ to speak of" is a no-go.

When it is not a case of someone speaking, it acts as a auxiliary verb rather than a main verb, so the correct usage is to write it in Hiragana.

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ② ~ to continue

<Incorrect Example> I want to continue supporting you.

<Incorrect Example> I want to continue becoming the ideal couple.

The expression "~ to continue" is also incorrect to use kanji for, as it does not literally mean going somewhere.

Moreover, in this case, the text feels quite awkward. When writing letters, we should also focus on the natural appearance (readability)! *

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ③ ~ to try

<Incorrect Example> I tried making a welcome board as a test.

<Incorrect Example> I think I will start making bread while learning from my mother.

Just like the previous examples, using kanji for "~ to try" is incorrect because it is an auxiliary verb, not a main verb.

Other phrases like "~ to come" or "~ to keep" are also correctly written in Hiragana! *

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ④ Honma

<Incorrect Example> Honma, I was happy!

<Incorrect Example> Honma, thank you.

The term "honma" is an incorrect kanji usage of a dialect often used by people from Kansai, meaning "really."

Many people may use it in daily conversations or on social media, but "honma" is a complete mistake.

☑ Since it is primarily spoken language, using it in the bride's letter is a bit...

☑ If you want to use "honma," it should at least be in Hiragana.

☑ If you absolutely must use the kanji, "本真" is the correct alternative.

Online opinions say it makes you look "yankee" or "lacking education"...

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ⑤ Nevertheless

<Incorrect Example> Despite being busy with work, you played a lot with me.

<Incorrect Example> Even though I left home right after graduating high school, I am grateful for your support.

The phrase "~ nevertheless," which is often used in the bride's letter, is not "関わらず" or "係わらず," but the correct kanji is "拘わらず."

"拘わらず" means "even though" or "despite."

However, since it’s not a common kanji, writing it as "にもかかわらず" in Hiragana is more natural and recommended! *

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ⑥ Watashi wa

<Incorrect Example> Watashi wa really happy.

I think almost no one uses this anymore, but you may occasionally see people write "私わ" instead of "私は."

If the bride's letter had something like "Watashi wa happy to be the daughter of my father and mother,"

the emotional effect might instantly cool down...!

I hope to prevent my future children from making the same mistake.

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ⑦ Shizurai

<Incorrect Example> Thank you for picking me up when I was hurt and it was hard to walk.

<Incorrect Example> I was glad that you clearly communicated things that were hard to say at that time.

This relates to the difference between "ず" and "づ," and if you consider the meaning that it is difficult to do something,

"しづらい" is the correct expression. *

It doesn't seem to be a problem when read aloud as they sound the same, but it looks strange in writing when written with "ず"!

This is a part we should be cautious about.

Commonly Miswritten Japanese Expressions ⑧ ~ to receive

<Incorrect Example> I learned from Mr. ○○, who taught me strictly at times and kindly at others.

<Incorrect Example> Thank you for welcoming me warmly.

Finally, let’s talk about the difference between kanji and Hiragana in the phrases often used in business contexts, such as "~ to receive."

When using the kanji "いただく," it only applies to the humble forms of eating, drinking, or receiving.

Since "~ to receive" acts as an auxiliary verb, the correct form is to write it in Hiragana.

Be Conscious When Writing the Bride's Letter!

We have introduced common kanji and typographical mistakes in Japanese that modern individuals are prone to making.

Whether you knew all eight examples or hadn’t thought too much about it...

Remember that the bride's letter will not only be read aloud on the day but will also be seen by the parents in the physical form, so be sure to write it with correct expressions! *

@atelier_etna