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Learning About Life in Japan Through Words (5) Why stay quiet on trains? — Learning consideration through language

Kotoba Drill Editor

Today’s Topic

On Japanese trains, people tend to spend time quietly: voices are kept low and phones are put on silent to keep a calm mood. This quietness is part of public manners in Japan.

Why keep quiet on trains? The answer is “consideration for others.” Here we learn the reason and gentle Japanese ways to express it.

Key Words (Reading + IPA)

JapaneseReadingIPAMeaning & usage
「ご遠慮ください」ごえんりょください[ɡo eɴɾʲo kɯdasai]A soft request not to do something. Example: 「通話はご遠慮ください。」 (Please avoid phone calls.)
「お静かにお願いします」おしずかにおねがいします[o ɕizɯka ni o neɡai ɕimasɯ]A polite request to keep quiet for others.
「マナー」まなー[manaː]Manners/rules of behaviour; important as public manners in Japan.
「思いやり」おもいやり[omoijaɾi]Caring about others and avoiding disturbance.
「ご協力ください」ごきょうりょくください[ɡo kʲoː ɾʲokɯdasai]Asking everyone to follow a rule together.
「〜ないでください」〜ないでください[naide kɯdasai]A gentle “please don’t …”. Example: 「大声で話さないでください。」 (Please don’t speak loudly.)
Note

IPA is a guide for learners. Sounds may vary slightly by region or speaking style.

Culture Note: Kindness within quietness

In Japan, keeping quiet in public places is seen as kindness. On a train, many strangers share one space; “not causing trouble” is valued.

“Quiet (静か)” in Japanese can also mean a calm mind. Keeping quiet helps keep peace for others and for yourself.

Callout

Some people feel unwell; some travel with babies; some await important work calls. Quietness can support people in a weaker position.

Grammar Points: Gentle Japanese requests

Japanese often uses request forms instead of commands, especially in public places like trains and buses.

「〜ください」: polite request

Example: 「席をゆずってください。」 (Please give your seat.) A basic, gentle form.

「〜ないでください」: soft prohibition

Example: 「大声で話さないでください。」 (Please don’t speak loudly.) States a wish without blaming.

「〜ないように」: showing care

Example: 「他の人の迷惑にならないようにしましょう。」 (Let’s try not to bother others.) Invites cooperation, including yourself.

「〜てもいいです」: asking permission

Example: 「ここで話してもいいですか。」 (Is it okay to talk here?) Checks the other person’s feeling.

Note

Small changes in phrasing change the impression greatly. Gentle words carry respect and care.

Around the World: Views on “quiet”

Different cultures feel “quiet” differently. Seeing the differences makes Japan’s features clearer.

Quiet as consideration

  • Japan, Korea, Thailand, etc. Quietness in public shows care for others.

Valuing freedom and naturalness

  • The United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. Being oneself and being social are valued; conversation is natural.

Feeling safe with lively sounds

  • China, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. Voices and sounds are daily rhythm; liveliness can feel comforting.
Note

These are differences, not rankings. Every culture has its own form of kindness.

Mini‑dialogue (on a train)

Scene: You want to talk with a friend in a low voice.

– A: 「ここで少し話してもいいですか。」 (May we talk a little here?) – B: 「はい、いいですよ。声は小さくしましょう。」 (Yes, sure. Let's keep our voices low.) – A: 「ありがとうございます。通話はしないでおきます。」 (Thank you. I won't make phone calls.)

ExpressionPoint
「〜してもいいですか。」Polite permission request.
「声は小さくしましょう。」A proposal that includes both people.
「通話はしないでください。」Gentle “please don’t …”; common on signs.

Signs/announcements (rephrased into easier Japanese)

  • 「車内での通話はお控えください。」 → 「電車の中で電話をしないでください。」
  • 「優先席付近では、マナーモードに設定のうえ通話はお控えください。」 → 「優先席の近くでは、スマートフォンをマナーモードにして、電話はしないでください。」
  • 「周囲のお客さまへのご配慮をお願いします。」 → 「まわりの人のために、静かにお願いします。」

Summary

  • Quietness shows Japan’s “consideration for others.”
  • Forms like 「〜ください」 and 「〜ないように」 carry respect and care.
  • Cultural comparison helps us understand Japanese public manners.

Next: “Life in Japan Through Words (6)” — idea: the feeling expressed by the greeting 「いらっしゃいませ」。

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