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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 spend time quietly. They lower their voices and set phones to silent to keep a calm mood. This quietness is one part of public manners in Japan.

Why do people keep quiet on trains? The answer is “consideration for others.” In this article, we learn the reason and gentle ways to say it in Japanese.

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 way to ask people 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 behavior; important as public manners in Japan.
「思いやり」おもいやり[omoijaɾi]Caring about others and not causing trouble.
「ご協力ください」ごきょうりょくください[ɡo kʲoː ɾʲokɯdasai]A request to join and 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 change a little by region or speaking style.

Culture Note: Kindness inside quietness

In Japan, keeping quiet in public places is seen as kindness to others. In a train, many strangers share one space. So “not disturbing others” is important.

In Japanese, “quiet (静か)” can also mean a calm heart. Keeping quiet protects peace for people around you and for yourself.

Callout

Some people are not feeling well. Some have babies. Some are waiting for urgent work calls. Keeping quiet can help people in a weaker position.

Grammar Points: Gentle Japanese requests

In Japanese, people often use requests instead of orders. In public places like trains and buses, polite forms are important.

「〜ください」: a polite request

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

「〜ないでください」: a soft prohibition

Example: 「大声で話さないでください。」 (Please don’t speak loudly.) It tells 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.) It asks for cooperation including yourself.

「〜てもいいです」: asking for permission

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

Note

Small changes in phrasing make a big change in feeling. Gentle words show respect and care.

Around the World: Views on “quiet”

Different places feel “quiet” in different ways. Knowing the differences helps us see Japan’s special points.

Cultures where quiet shows care

  • Japan, Korea, Thailand, etc. Quietness in public is an action of care for others.

Cultures that value freedom and being natural

  • The United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. More value is put on being yourself and being social. Conversation is a natural part of life.

Cultures that feel safe with lively sounds

  • China, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. Voices and sounds are part of life’s rhythm; quiet may feel less comfortable.
Note

These are differences, not better or worse. Each culture has its own form of kindness.

Mini‑dialogue (on the train)

Scene: You want to talk with a friend in a small 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, of course. 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。」A polite way to ask for permission.
「声は小さくしましょう。」A proposal that includes both you and the other person.
「通話はしないでください。」A gentle “please don’t …”; common on signs.

Sign/announcement rephrases (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。」

Today’s Summary

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

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

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