Challenge 01 Greetings
Can I add "O" in front of any words to make them polite?
「お・O」, when added in front of a word does make it more polite, but not all words.
- おしらせ＝ o sirase = notification/message/information
- おかね＝ o kane = money
- おてあらい＝ o tearai = bathroom
- おてつだい＝ o tetudai = help/assistance/support
- おげんきですか？＝ o genki desuka? = How are you?
「お・O」: Basic rule is to use it when you want to be polite to the person you are talking to.
- You use 「げんき？」to your friend, but 「おげんきですか？」to his or her parent.
- You use「おてあらいはどこですか？」, but never 「てあらいはどこですか？」
Tip & Comment
Even among native speakers, there are various interpretations of how and when to use 「お・O」, so don't worry too much about it.
It's also true that some words sound funny with 「お・O」in front, yet some people use them. When in doubt, don't use it. With or without 「お・O」, politeness shows in your manner or demeanor.
Let's learn Japanese!
