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Mother's Day - Haha no Hi

By , About.com Guide

Mother's Day

Next Sunday is Mother's Day (Haha no hi). Although "Happy ~" can be translated as "~ omedetou," there is no Japanese equivalent of "Happy Mother's Day." Sending a Mother's Day card is not too common in Japan, but giving flowers (especially carnations) is a popular thing to do. I am very close with my mom. She is very open-minded and has been very supportive of whatever I have done. Since hugging parents (except by children) is not a common practice in Japan, I sometime wonder if words are enough to show love. Besides, I feel a little embarrassed to express my feelings in front of her, but I always appreciate her open mindedness.

Japanese Translation

母の日

次の日曜日は母の日です。英語の"Happy ~"は、"~おめでとう"と訳されることもありますが、日本語で"Happy Mother's Day"に値する言葉はありません。日本では母の日にカードを贈ることはあまり行われませんが、花(特にカーネーションが母の日の花とされています)を贈ることは一般的です。私は母ととても仲がいいです。母はどんなことにも偏見がなく、私がすることにはいつでも理解を示してくれました。親を抱きしめることは(子供以外)日本にはない習慣なので、言葉だけで十分に愛情は伝わるのかなと思うこともあります。そのうえ私は面と向かって感謝の気持ちを表すことに、少し照れくささも感じるのですが、母の寛大さ、理解力をとてもありがたく思っています。お母さん、いつもありがとう。

Note: The translation is not always literal.

Beginner's Phrases

I am very close with my mom.

  • Watashi wa haha to totemo naka ga ii desu.

  • わたしは ははと とても なかが いいです。

  • 私は母ととても仲がいいです。

Learn More

Click here to learn the kanji character for "haha".

Explore Japanese Language

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