[For Seniors] 3-Choice Dialect Quiz! A Collection of Fun Dialect Quizzes from Around Japan

Donzu

In the Tsugaru dialect of Aomori Prefecture, it’s said that they call the butt “donzu.” An example of how it’s used would be something like, “Hey you! Your butt’s showing!” The Tsugaru dialect is known for being particularly strong and distinct, isn’t it?

It's so-so.

“Bochibochi” is an Osaka dialect term meaning “so-so” or “not bad.” You may have seen scenes on TV where someone answers the question “Mokarimakka?” (“Making money?”) with “Bochibochi denna” (“So-so”). Also, “Bochibochi ikoka” carries the nuance of “Shall we head out soon?” or “Let’s take it easy and go.”

I don't mind.

“Dannai” is a dialect used in Mie Prefecture that means “I don’t mind,” “It’s okay,” or “Don’t worry about it.” When someone is in trouble or thanks you, people may gently reply, “Dannai yo.” In Shima and Ise cities, it’s said as “danne,” showing slight regional variations.

Words to use when apologizing or asking for leniency

“Kanbe” means “give me a break” or “please forgive me,” and it’s often used when you’re in trouble or apologizing. It tends to be used for lighter apologies among relatively close acquaintances. It’s said to be a colloquial contraction of “kanben shite” (勘弁して).

Terrifying

“Kyōtoi” is a dialect word from Shimane Prefecture that means “frightening” or “scary.” The sentence “Ano-san no kyōtoi kao de, kodomo ga naichō” means “Because of that person’s scary face, the child ended up crying.”

I was surprised.

"Doden shita" is a dialect from Akita Prefecture meaning "I was surprised" or "I was startled." People say "Doden shita!" when they’re surprised. It’s said to be used in places like Aomori and Iwate Prefectures as well.

Buddhist monk

In Kyoto Prefecture, people call the head priest of their own temple “Oshō-san” or “ossan.” It’s said that “ossan” is a dialectal corruption of “Oshō-san.” Of course, they also use “ossan” to refer to a father, an uncle, or a middle-aged man. However, the intonation differs: when it means the head priest, the pitch falls at the end.