Let's learn Japanese from Ghibli movies (2) Would you like something to drink ?

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation company and well-known for producing creative and thoughtful works. Hayao Miyazaki is a world famous animator and has created many fantastic movies such as Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service and so on.

The themes in his movies range from environmentalism, to independence of children, love, and war. Not only children but also adults enjoy his works and rethink who we are and what living in the world means.

While there are numerous aspects or angles to watch his works, one of the most important keys is, I believe, "eating." (diet).  Miyazaki may think eating (food) is the most important for living things. I see some mouthwatering food in Ghibli movies, which always make me feel hungry and nostalgic. 

Now, I would like to introduce you dishes that I like in the movies.

Be patient! I bet you are getting hungry for sure. Besides, You can learn Japanese too.

Today, I pick one scene from Kiki's delivery Service. Kiki found a big city and is wondering if she lives in the city. Meanwhile, Kiki helped a woman (Osono-san) give the pacifier back to the customer. Osono invites Kiki to her shop and talk with each other.

Let's take a look at conversation both in English and Japanese.

You might find something very interesting.

A cup of coffee served by Osono 

( Kiki's delivery service )

    via                                                          via

< English version >

Osono:	Osono:
	Would you like some hot chocolate?
Kiki:	Okay.
Osono:	There you go.
Kiki:	Thank you very much, ma'am.
Osono:	And, this is for you, little guy.
	So tell me if I'm right.
	I'm guessing you are a witch in training.
Kiki:	I really love it here.
	But people don't seem to like witches in this town.
Osono:	Depends on the people
	Now, take me, for instance.
	I just met you and I know I like you.
Jiji:	Meows!

< Japanese version >

おソノさん(Osono-san)：	座って… コーヒーがいい？ハイ
	(Suwatte... coffee-ga ii? hai)
キキ(Kiki) ：	…ありがとう (Arigatou)
おソノさん(Osono-san)：	キミはこれ (kimiwa kore)
	フーン 自分の町を見つけるってわけか
	(Fu-n, jibun-no machio mitsukeru tte wakeka )
キキ(Kiki) ：	ここの方は魔女が好きじゃないみたい
	(Kokono katawa majyoga suki jyanai mitai)
おソノさん(Osono-san)：	大きな町だから いろんな人がいるさ
	(ookina machidakara ironna hitoga irusa)
	でも 私はあんたが気に入ったよ
	(demo watashiwa antaga kiniittayo)
ジジ：	ヒッ…！

First of all, let's focus on the words; キミ (Kimi) and あんた (Anta) uttered by Osono-san. In Japanese, there are various ways to address others in terms of different levels of politeness.

"You" in English is literally translated "Anata" in Japanese, but we rarely use this because this sounds rude or too direct. Instead, we usually address people's name with さん (san), さま (sama). Otherwise, we address their status such as teacher, mother and so on.

Here are some examples of ways to address others:

きみ (kimi) --- 

This is a closer way to address someones, especially younger people. In general, male bosses use this when they address female workers. (but they should be close to some extent.)

あんた (Anta) ----

This is a familiar way to address someone. This is not polite expression and sounds differently in terms of accents.  Generally, women use this word.

Well, did you find a big difference between English and Japanese version?

Yes, as you might notice...

Osono-san in English version serves hot chocolate, while one in Japanese version does coffee. What do you think this happens? In my opinion, it is said that children should not drink coffee in America and the English version avoids showing the scene to children. 

When I was twelve years old,  I was flying to America. On the plane, I asked a flight attendant to have a coffee. However, she said she couldn't because I was too young. This experience supports my idea above, I guess.


Comparing the movie in two languages, we can find so many interesting things. I believe it is one of the ways to enjoy Ghibli's movies. *What surprised me the most when I watched the English version for the first time was JiJi's voice.

Which do you like to have, coffee or hot chocolate if you were Kiki?