“Okini” Talk Guide

Maido

まいど／Hello

The very name of this site, MAIDO, is a greeting everybody in Osaka knows quite well! The phrase is a shortened version of saying “Thanks as always. How have you been?” Once you get to Osaka, you can use it right as you get to the airport, and at lots of places while you’re here. Everyone will surely welcome you once they see how much you love Osaka!

Ookini

おおきに／Thank you

Saying thanks is just as important as saying hello. This word is the equivalent of “arigato” in ordinary Japanese, or “thank you” in English. Try using it whenever someone helps you or does something nice for you, or any other time you want to show your thanks. No one hates gratitude!

Suimahen

すいまへん／Excuse me/I’m sorry

Whenever you want to get someone’s attention, ask someone something, or even order food and drinks, try using this word. It may sound like an apology, but this convenient word has the Japanese way of showing gratitude by being humble built right in.

Eede

ええで／OK

Works just like an affirmative “OK” or “yes.” Try nodding your head when you say it!

Meccha

めっちゃ／Very

Used when you want to emphasize something with “very” or “extremely.” Tell your travel buddies “Meccha suki” to let them know how much you enjoy being with them. It’s sure to make your trip go even better.

Honma

ほんま／True/really

This word means true. It’s handy when you want to assert that something is the truth. Just know that if someone uses it while laughing, it may not really be true!

Chau Chau

ちゃうちゃう／No/wrong

Used like “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong.” Sometimes it’s even shortened to just “chau.”

Nambo

なんぼ／How much

Used just like “ikura” in Japanese, or “how much” in English. Use it whenever you want to ask about a price! Try using “Occhan! Kore nambo?” at the market, and you might even score a discount!

Shaa-nai

しゃあない／It can’t be helped

Used much like “I guess there’s nothing we can do.” Use when you want to say OK and forgive someone for something that happened, whatever the reason. Sort of like “It’s okay, we all make mistakes.”

Nandeyanen

なんでやねん／Why?/no way

Used when something doesn’t go the way you’d expect, when you’re upset, or when something absurd happens. Think of it like, “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

Omoroiyan

おもろいやん／Interesting/amusing/funny

Used to convey joy, show you’re having fun, or call something wonderful or amusing. Try using it whenever something good happens! Everyone in Osaka loves to be complimented with this word.