Friday, 23 January 2009

Ohitori-sama desu ka?

Trendy Japanese according to ALC press
"Ohitori-sama"

""Ohitori" is a polite way to say "one person," and "sama" is a honorific added at the end of a word, usually the name of the addressee. And the word "ohitori-sama" was originally used as "Ohitori-sama desuka? (Are you by yourself?) when a waiter/waitress, hotel clerk, or whoever the person in charge of welcoming customers, asks if a customer needs a table/room for only one.

But these days, a new meaning has been added to the word "ohitori-sama" --- it now indicates a woman, whether single or married, who enjoys spending her leisure time by herself. She goes to a restaurant or a bar by herself to enjoy whatever food she feels like having at whenever time she wants. She also goes to hot springs and stays at hotels without company, and might even buy a spacious condominium where she can release her stress and feel relaxed!"

Hahahaha! Something I've been called a lot so far - and I think it's suited me quite well so far on my trip.

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