N3culture1 min read

おもてなしの(こころ)

The Spirit of Omotenashi

日本にはおもてなしという言葉(ことば)があります。これは、相手(あいて)のことを(かんが)えて、(こころ)から大切にするという意味(いみ)です。例えば、店員(てんいん)さんがお(きゃく)さんに丁寧(ていねい)な言葉で(せっ)したり、旅館(りょかん)(あたた)かいお(ちゃ)()したりすることが、おもてなしの(れい)です。

最近では、この文化が世界中で注目されています。何か特別なことをするのではなく、相手(あいて)が何を求めているかを想像して、先に行動することが大切です。この(こころ)は、日本人の生活のいろいろな場所に(かく)れています。

Translation

In Japan, there is a word called 'omotenashi'. This means to think about the other person and treat them with sincere care. For example, store clerks interacting with customers using polite language, or inns serving warm tea are examples of omotenashi. Recently, this culture has been gaining attention around the world. It is not about doing something extraordinary, but about imagining what the other person wants and acting on it beforehand. This spirit is hidden in various places in Japanese life.

Comprehension

What is the key to 'omotenashi'?

  • Buying expensive gifts
  • Doing exactly what you are told
  • Imagining what the other person needs and acting on it
  • Speaking as little as possible

The passage explains that omotenashi involves imagining the other person's needs and acting accordingly.

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