kokuou wrote:
Alrighty, where to begin? :mrgreen:
First, I should just point out that Anime Dad's explanation for your "This is big" post was 100% correct except for one thing.
"Big" in Japanese is "ookii" (long 'o' and long 'i'), not "okii."
But other than that, it's totally fine. :dancing:
Okay, as for "gozaimasu" meaning "very much," that would be a 'no'.
If you are serious about learning Japanese (or any other foreign language, for that matter), you should get rid of this thought that there is a 1-to-1 translation for everything.
Language is culture-based, and as no two cultures are exactly the same, you will never be able to translate things word-for-word.
(Which is why when you do, it sounds funny.)
As an example, in certain situations, "arigatou" can mean "I love you" in Japanese (albeit in a very limited number).
Now, this may clear up your second question:
How would you say "Thanks to Sakura" and "Thank you, Sakura"?
"Sakura no okage de."
(Thanks to Sakura.)
"Arigatou, Sakura."
(Thank you, Sakura.)
While in English the above two sentences are somewhat related (in that they use the same words), the Japanese sentences use completely different words to express the same ideas.
I recommend you get a beginner's book on Japanese, if you are serious about learning it (which it appears that you are :woot: ).
Such books usually offer clear and detailed descriptions of Japanese grammar.
Anyway, good luck on the studying, and remember that we are here to help you! :dancing:
HTH,
‘‰¤š
Thanks for clearing that up. "okii" was a typo, I did mean to type "ookii"
Also my explanation wasn't meant as a direct literal translation, more as an illustration of the different politeness levels. I'm not that knowledgeabe at all in Japanese, just trying to help out a fellow student.
I bow to your superior knowledge, kokuou-sensei :)