SKI 15 Posted November 1, 2002 Share Posted November 1, 2002 I often here "erai" when people are talking about other people. I thought it meant "great" but many times people seem to use it just for superiors at work, or stars or something. Can someone explain it to me? Link to post Share on other sites
snobogeek 0 Posted November 1, 2002 Share Posted November 1, 2002 Generally erai people are generally not erai. Or are they? We should stay in the 1 language when talking about this. Link to post Share on other sites
geoff 0 Posted November 2, 2002 Share Posted November 2, 2002 I thought...that erai didn't translate as "great" but as "in a certain position that demands respect" (even if it might not). Is that wrong? Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted November 2, 2002 Share Posted November 2, 2002 erai means 'in a position of authority'. 'Chotto erai hito' It also means 'great'. 'Erai!!' And 'extremely'. 'Erai dekai hanbaag' When you stick 'so' on, to get 'eraso', it means arrogant. 'Erasona yatsu' So there you go. Link to post Share on other sites
NoFakie 45 Posted November 2, 2002 Share Posted November 2, 2002 A quite innocent "admirable/great" in some cases. People who do voluntary work are erai with no nasty overtones. Watch for the signals to see whether the word's being used to indicate excessive pride, not someone's achievements or position. In certain dialects (western Japan?) erai also means "tired" as in "worn out" not "sleepy". Link to post Share on other sites
indosnm 0 Posted November 3, 2002 Share Posted November 3, 2002 Erai....... down here in Nagoya means "to be tired" like I was at nihon kempo last night! Link to post Share on other sites
fukdane 2 Posted November 3, 2002 Share Posted November 3, 2002 Whats with the "From" Link to post Share on other sites
guycalled0 0 Posted November 6, 2002 Share Posted November 6, 2002 Most of the erai people I know are not erai as in the "great" meaning, far from it. They're just in positions they got for being the right age. I hope that changes in the future Japan. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts