The endings of Aomori Tsugaru dialect are interesting! Explaining the habits and meanings of dialects that locals often use [Must-see for dialect lovers]

" I don't understand what Tsugaru dialect is saying! " But if you listen carefully, you'll find that the charm of Tsugaru dialect is that the endings are packed with humor and kindness.

This time, we will focus on the endings of Tsugaru dialect, which are used daily in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, and introduce their meanings and usage

In the previous article, we provided an in-depth explanation of the onomatopoeia used in the Tsugaru dialect. If you read this article as well, you will be able to experience the charm of the Tsugaru dialect even more

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Is Tsugaru dialect often onomatopoeia? Introducing popular onomatopoeia [Aomori Prefecture]

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When using Tsugaru dialect on a daily basis, you'll notice a surprising number of onomatopoeias that aren't found in standard Japanese. The appeal of Tsugaru dialect lies in the richness of onomatopoeia, which enriches the nuances of conversation and makes it easier to understand intuitively. This time, we'll introduce onomatopoeia unique to Tsugaru dialect, explaining their meanings and usage with example sentences. Bayabaya (wandering, wandering) Meaning: "Bayabaya" is a word used to describe the act of wandering around restlessly. It's used when someone is wandering aimlessly or fidgeting as if searching for something. It's also used when a child wants to play...

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The endings of Tsugaru dialect are very unique!

Conveying emotions and feelings through the ending of words

In Tsugaru dialect, the speaker's emotions and the tone of the speech naturally come through in the endings of words. Even short endings such as "-be" and "-ro" can have a huge range of effects, from being friendly to emphasizing. Sentence endings, which tend to sound monotonous in standard Japanese, add spice to conversations in Tsugaru dialect

Combined with intonation, it creates a "Tsugaru-esque" feel

The interesting thing about Tsugaru dialect is not just the sound of the endings. People who don't understand Tsugaru dialect might think it sounds strange, but the inflection, rhythm, and intonation unique to each region add to the flavor of the words. Even if you know the words, if the intonation is different the meaning may not be conveyed. You can't understand the true meaning of Tsugaru dialect endings unless you actually hear and use them

Introducing commonly used Tsugaru dialect endings and their meanings

【〜be】

meaning

"~be" is widely used from Tohoku to Hokkaido, so I'm sure many people know what it means. However, in Tsugaru dialect, "~be" is used in many different situations, and the meaning can vary greatly depending on the nuance. It basically means "I guess so," but it can also be used to make guesses or solicitations

Example sentence

• "Ikugube" (Let's go) (I'll go, right?) *Different pronunciations
• "Ikube? (Interrogative form with a rising tone at the end)" (You're going, right?)

[~kkya]

meaning

"-kya" is a suffix unique to Tsugaru dialect. It is also highly versatile and is used in a variety of situations, but its meaning varies depending on the nuance and context. It can be used to ask for agreement, emphasize a word, or draw attention

Example sentence

• "I said I was going to go there today"
• "I told you I was going there today!" (I told you I was going there today!) *If said in a harsh tone, it can also mean a warning
• "Ndakkya" (That's right)

[~Byon]

meaning

I think "byon" is one of the reasons why Tsugaru dialect sounds like French. They always say "byon byon," and they speak quickly and without opening their mouths, so it sounds French. It's used not only for speculations and questions, but also for assertive expressions

Example sentence

• "I went to school today" (I think I went to school today)
• "Seba daba mai nebyon" (That's no good, right?)

[~ban]

meaning

"-ban" has the meaning of emphasizing, agreeing, and affirming. This ending is also used by the younger generation, and can be said to be a fairly popular ending. Its usage is probably closest to the standard Japanese ending "-jan."

Example sentence

• "You went there today! Did you forget?"
• "I told you it was no good (stronger ending)" (I told you it was no good)

【~reactor】

meaning

"~ro" is used when calling attention to something or making a strong assertion about something. "Ro" itself has the nuance of "See, I saw it," so it can be used not only as an ending, but also on its own. "Ro!" means "See!", and using just "ro~" can mean "See, I saw it."

Example sentence

• "You'll get run over by a car!"
• "I told you it was dangerous, see?"
• "Ro-ro-ro-ro" (Oh no, I've done it. At this point something has happened or is being called to attention.)

[Handle]

meaning

"Hande" has different meanings depending on whether it is attached to the end of a word or used at the beginning of a sentence. When it is attached to the end of a word with a falling tone, it means "because ~ (action)" or "because ~ (reason)." On the other hand, when it is used at the beginning of a sentence, it means "because!"

Example sentence

• "I just hung out the laundry"
• "It's hot today, so I'll wear short sleeves."
• "So why are you doing that?!"

Can people understand each other just by using the ending of a word? A common conversation in Tsugaru

The range of emotions conveyed in the endings of words is amazing

The meaning of Tsugaru dialect endings changes dramatically depending on the tone of voice, the timing, and the tone of the voice. The same "yukigube" can be used to express determination when used strongly, or to express doubt or hesitation when used weakly. The amazing thing about the locals is that they intuitively understand how to use these different nuances

If you don't know, you'll be misunderstood. If you know, you'll feel closer to it

To those hearing it for the first time, some expressions may make you wonder, "Are they angry?", but if you know their meaning, they are accepted as a warm and humorous part of the culture. By understanding the dialect, you can experience the depth of Tsugaru dialect and the warmth of the people

summary

Tsugaru dialect endings are not simply the end of a word. They are filled with the rhythm of life rooted in the land, the sense of distance between people, and a richness of emotion. They may sound unfamiliar at first, but as you learn them little by little, you will discover their appeal. If you are traveling to Aomori, be sure to pay attention to the endings

Hana Odagiri

A drinking lady who grew up eating delicious food from Aomori. She is a web writer who loves cooking, drinking, and manga.