Let's Discover the Charm of Kansai Dialect! A Kansai Dialect Quiz for Seniors

same age

When you hear onai, you might think it means “the same,” but it actually refers to being the same age. You’d use it like, “We’re in the same grade, so we’re the same age,” for example.

wimp

On Kansai TV shows, comedians often use the word “hetare.” They tease spineless comedians by calling them things like “hetare comedian.”

twisted

In Kansai, when people are playing sports and feel something off in their foot, they often say things like 'ashi ga gunetta' (my foot twisted). It can also be taken to mean it’s broken, so it’s a bit confusing, isn’t it?

Don't worry about it.

In Kansai, when someone is worried about something you did or said, we say “kini sen de” (don’t worry about it). People also use expressions like “kama-hen” (it’s okay/never mind). Kansai dialect is characterized by its casual, friendly way of speaking.

childish; naive; innocent (in a youthful/unsophisticated way)

In the Kansai region, people say “obokoi” to describe someone who looks younger than their age. It might be used more often for women than for men. It’s also commonly used for children.

ticklish

In the Kansai region, people use the word “koshobai” when their body feels itchy. Generally, people say “kayui” (itchy), but Kansai dialect has such cute word choices, doesn’t it? It seems that “koshobai” came from a variation of “kosobayui.”

on the way (there)

In Kansai dialect, the road you take when heading out is called 'ikishina.' When someone leaves the house, family members often express concern and say things like, 'Be careful on your way out.'