GLOSSARY
Genkan
small vestibule at the entrance of a house
Giri choko
"obligatory chocolate" given by a woman to
a male colleague on Valentine's Day
Gochsosama deshita
expression of thanks after a meal
Gokurosama
expression of thanks to a subordinate after some servise
has been performed;expression said at the end of the workday
to a departing colleague
Gomen kudasai
expression used when entering a home
to announce one's arrival
Hori-gotatsu
sunken area in the floor with a table frame and heating unit
covered with a quilt for warming the legs
Itadakimasu
expression of thanks before a meal
Kampai
"Cheers!" expression used for a toast
Kotatsu
foot-warmer composed of a quilt over a table frame
and heating unit
Meishi
name card,buisiness card
Miai kekkon
arranged marriage
Nenshi-mawari
making the rounds to congratulate one's friends,relatives,
and business associates at New Years
O-hashi
chopsticks
O-jama shimasu
expression used when entering a house or room
O-medeto gozaimasu
expression meaning congratulations
Omoi-yari
mutual consideration
O-negai shimasu
expression used when making a request
Onsen
hot spring
O-rei
expression of appreciation
O-saki ni sitsurei shimasu
expression said to one's remaining colleagues when
departing the work-place
O-toshidama
small gift of money to a child at New Year's
O-tsukaresama
expression said to a colleague as he or she leaves the office
at the end of the day
Ren'ai kekkon
love-match marriage
Sakazuki
small cup for drinking sake
Sento
public bathing facility
Yoroshiku (o-negai shimasu)
expression used to make a request
Yukata
informal cotton kimono worn in summer
and ryokan (hotels) when going to and from the bath
Zabuton
square floor cushion