"Mottainai (もったいない, [mottainai]) is a Japanese term conveying a sense of regret concerning waste.[1] The expression "Mottainai!" can be uttered alone as an exclamation when something useful, such as food or time, is wasted, meaning roughly "what a waste!" or "Don't waste."[2] In addition to its primary sense of "wastefulness", the word is also used to mean "impious; irreverent" or "more than one deserves".[3]
Mottainai is an old Buddhist word, which has ties "with the Shinto idea that objects have souls."[2] Mottainai has been referred to as a tradition,[2] a cultural practice,[4] and an idea which is still present in Japanese culture,[2] which has become an international concept" (Wikipedia).
When do we use the word, mottainai?
Well... it could be used in any context. If you could not finish your lunch,that's considered mottainai. If you see a single girl with a great qualities, other might say mottainai because her qualities are being wasted. If you are throwing away old clothes that could be still used or could be recycled, we say mottainai. This word does not translate properly in other language all the way because it is part of a Japanese culture. So when you cannot think of any words to describe the situation, try using mottainai for a change.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿