• NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
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    1 day ago

    that same prefix (o) is for better versions of things in Japanese.

    Puts on nerd glasses well ackshually it’s used to elevate the status of something, such as with people, objects or other entities of social or religious significance (for example other people’s family members in a polite situation). It’s more honored than better.

    • stray@pawb.social
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      1 day ago

      I don’t love the honor translation partially because it’s been used in racist caricature, but also because it’s often inaccurate. Like you might say ohana because you’re in an extremely formal interaction, or because you want to sound poetic or whatever, but you’re not actually saying “honorable flowers” usually. You can mean that though. I feel like it’s too context-sensitive and culturally nuanced for simple translation.

      • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
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        18 hours ago

        Like you might say ohana because you’re in an extremely formal interaction, or because you want to sound poetic or whatever, but you’re not actually saying “honorable flowers” usually.

        I think the most common instance would be simply wanting to sound cute.