Saying 'Yoshi!' to 'Flip the Switch' for Action!

Have you ever seen a Japanese colleague, before starting a difficult task, take a deep breath and say quietly 'Yoshi!' (よし！)? 🤔

Or when an elderly person plops down on a chair, they let out a 'Dokkoisho' (どっこいしょ)?

These are not meaningless words or a habit of talking to oneself. This is a very interesting and natural communication culture of the Japanese: self-talk phrases (独り言 - Hitorigoto) that have a clear 'function'.

Let's learn a few of the most common 'magic phrases'!

---

1. 'Yoshi!' (よし！) - The Ignition Switch 🚀

This is the phrase used to 'flip the switch' for an action, showing determination and self-encouragement.

• When to use? Right before you start doing something.
• Example:
  • After finishing planning: 「よし、やろう！」(Alright, let's do it!)
  • Before leaving home for work: 「よし、行くか！」(OK, let's go!)

👉 Adding a 'Yoshi!' will show that you are ready and full of energy to start.

2. 'Sate, ~' (さて、〜) - The Scene Change Signal 🎬

Sate is an extremely useful word to smoothly transition from one action to another.

• When to use? When you finish one thing and are about to move on to the next.
• Example:
  • After finishing a cup of coffee: 「さて、仕事に戻るか」(Well, back to work.)
  • When a meeting ends and you're about to do something else: 「さて、と…」(Well, now...)

👉 It's like a self-announcement: 'This phase is done, getting ready for the next one!'

3. 'Dokkoisho' (どっこいしょ) - The Physical 'Magic Spell' 💪

This is a very characteristic onomatopoeia, often used when a little physical effort is needed. You'll hear it most from the elderly, but young people also use it jokingly.

• When to use? When sitting down, standing up, or lifting a heavy object.
• Example:
  • When sitting down on the sofa after a long day: 「どっこいしょ…」
  • When carrying a heavy bag of groceries: 「よいしょっと！」(Another variation of Dokkoisho)

👉 It acts as a way to 'gather momentum,' helping the body to coordinate and release energy at the right moment.

4. 'Fuu~' (ふぅ〜) - The National Sigh of Relief 😮‍💨

This is the sound of relief, fatigue, or when completing something stressful.

• When to use? After finishing a task, or when feeling relieved/tired.
• Example:
  • After sending an important email to a client: 「ふぅ〜、終わった…」(Phew, it's done...)
  • Arriving home after a tiring day at work: 「ふぅ〜疲れた〜」(Phew, I'm tired~)

---

These 'magic phrases', though small, are the key to helping you communicate and act just like a native. It shows you not only understand the language, but also feel the 'rhythm' of daily life in Japan.

Try 'inserting' these sounds at the right moment, and you'll find yourself 'blending in' with the atmosphere in a surprising way! 😉