【No. 0489】Geko
Apr 20, 2016 13:17
Today, I will talk about the Japanese word "geko."
Originally, this word expressed the lowest rank people in the ancient Japanese political system (Ritsuryosei), which divides social statuses into four ranks.
In wedding ceremonies in those days, the highest rank people (joko) drank 8 sho (14.4 liters) of alcohol, while the lowest rank people (geko) drank 2 sho (3.2 liters) of alcohol.
From this fact, the word "geko" came to mean a person who can't drink alcohol constitutionally.
As you can see from the etymology, this word contains meanings of discriminations and insults.
Therefore, you must be careful to use this word because it may be impolite.
There is no problem in cases that you use the word to refer to yourself.
Originally, this word expressed the lowest rank people in the ancient Japanese political system (Ritsuryosei), which divides social statuses into four ranks.
In wedding ceremonies in those days, the highest rank people (joko) drank 8 sho (14.4 liters) of alcohol, while the lowest rank people (geko) drank 2 sho (3.2 liters) of alcohol.
From this fact, the word "geko" came to mean a person who can't drink alcohol constitutionally.
As you can see from the etymology, this word contains meanings of discriminations and insults.
Therefore, you must be careful to use this word because it may be impolite.
There is no problem in cases that you use the word to refer to yourself.
下戸
今日は、「下戸」という日本語を紹介します。
この言葉は元々、日本古来の政治制度（律令制）における4階級の身分において、最も位の低い人を表しました。
そして、婚礼時のお酒の量が、最上級の「上戸」は8升、最下級の「下戸」は2升でした。
このことが転じて、現在では「下戸」は「（体質的に）お酒が飲めない人」を表すようになりました。
語源からわかるように、この言葉は差別的・侮辱的な意味合いを含みます。
そのため、自分自身のことを下戸と言うのは問題ありませんが、他人に対して使うと失礼に当たるので注意して下さい。
今日は、「下戸」という日本語を紹介します。
この言葉は元々、日本古来の政治制度（律令制）における4階級の身分において、最も位の低い人を表しました。
そして、婚礼時のお酒の量が、最上級の「上戸」は8升、最下級の「下戸」は2升でした。
このことが転じて、現在では「下戸」は「（体質的に）お酒が飲めない人」を表すようになりました。
語源からわかるように、この言葉は差別的・侮辱的な意味合いを含みます。
そのため、自分自身のことを下戸と言うのは問題ありませんが、他人に対して使うと失礼に当たるので注意して下さい。
Corrections (2)
No. 1 チャールズ
- Originally, this word expressed the lowest rank people in the ancient Japanese political system (Ritsuryosei), which divides social statuses into four ranks.
- Originally, this word expressed the lowest rank of people in the ancient Japanese political system (Ritsuryosei), which divided social statuses into four ranks.
- Therefore, you must be careful to use this word because it may be impolite.
- Therefore, you must be careful in using this word because it may be impolite. ["Careful to use" would mean that you should make sure to use the word.]
- There is no problem in cases that you use the word to refer to yourself.
- There is no problem in cases when you use the word to refer to yourself.
I learned a new word; thanks.
Toru
Thank you very much for correcting my post!
I'm glad to hear you say that :)
Thank you very much for correcting my post!
I'm glad to hear you say that :)
No. 2 Kwang Ming (クアン ミン）
- Today, I will talk about the Japanese word "geko."
- This sentence is perfect! No correction needed!
- Originally, this word expressed the lowest rank people in the ancient Japanese political system (Ritsuryosei), which divides social statuses into four ranks.
- Originally, this word was as a reference to the lowest ranked people in the ancient Japanese political system (Ritsuryosei), which divided social statuses into four ranks.
- In wedding ceremonies in those days, the highest rank people (joko) drank 8 sho (14.4 liters) of alcohol, while the lowest rank people (geko) drank 2 sho (3.2 liters) of alcohol.
-
Wedding ceremonies held in those days would have the highest ranked people (joko) drinking 8 sho (14.4 liters) of alcohol, while the lowest ranked people (geko) drank 2 sho (3.2 liters) of alcohol.
People is understood so it's dropped.
- From this fact, the word "geko" came to mean a person who can't drink alcohol constitutionally.
-
As such, "geko" came to refer to a person who can't hold his liquor well.
Can't hold liquor... = easily drunk
- As you can see from the etymology, this word contains meanings of discriminations and insults.
- As you can see from the etymology, this word can be discriminatory and insulting.
- Therefore, you must be careful to use this word because it may be impolite.
- Therefore, you must be careful in using this card because it may be impolite.
- There is no problem in cases that you use the word to refer to yourself.
- In the event that you choose to use the word to describe yourself, there's no problem to be had.
I had too much of English today. I thought you wrote "gecko" at first. In English, it's a somewhat interesting and adorable lizard. Haha.
Toru
Thank you very much always for correcting my post! (^^)
Haha, their spellings are quite similar to each other, indeed.
Thank you very much always for correcting my post! (^^)
Haha, their spellings are quite similar to each other, indeed.