English Audio Request

There are some Japanese words that really bother interpreters who translate English into Japanese.

I had a chance to talk with a professional interpreter, and she mentioned that "sister" or "brother" was one of the most difficult words to translate. Funny to find out about something like that, isn't it? Those words sound so easy and fundamental!

Actually, the translation of "sister" in Japanese is different depending on if she is older or younger than you. The older sister is called "ane," and the younger is "imo-to." This is why interpreters have trouble when they translate the word "sister" into Japanese when they don't know if she is older or younger.

I hear that westerners say, "My sister is coming" more often than "My older/younger sister is coming." It seems like the concept of who is older or younger than you isdifferent between Western countries and Japan.

In Japan, I am certain that people are itching to know other's ages. In a group, especially in a women's group, it seems like the first thing they want to do is find out each other's ages, which disgusts me( pisses me off/ irritates me.) They are just dying to seperate into groups.

I know that I should think of it as part of Japanese culture, but I cannot accept it no matter what.

I am eager to build genuine friendships with people from western countries, and I've found that one of the biggest reasons why is because they will make friends with me regardless of my age.

Thank you for reading.