As a professional translator, I keep it in mind to understand what a speaker/writer really means before translating because literal translation doesn't necessarily convey their real intent. I wrote about this in the post, "Simultaneous Interpreting, Skiing and Yakuza," using an example of "killing by praising," a technique once used by yakuza against a politician.
Literally means: I have no recollection of any of this.
Really means: I don't want to answer your question.
This phrase became widely known because of its repeated use in the trial of a former prime minister Kakuei Tanaka by one of his close aides. Despite the confidant's devoted efforts to avoid answering questions using this phrase, Tanaka was found guilty in 1983.
Kyoto people often say, "考えておきます (I'll think about it)" to refuse the offer, another phrase giving false impressions, but their indirect way of refusing things is to avoid unnecessary tensions or arguments while politicians using these phrases to avoid responsibility. They shouldn't be confused.
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Today, I want to give you several other examples of such phrases which Japanese politicians often use, but shouldn't be taken at face value. They are on the website of a Japanese movie currently showing, titled "記憶にございません (I have no recollection of any of this.)." This comedy movie features a fictional Japanese prime minister who's lost his memory.
1. 記憶にございません。Kioku ni gozaimasen
Really means: I don't want to answer your question.
This phrase became widely known because of its repeated use in the trial of a former prime minister Kakuei Tanaka by one of his close aides. Despite the confidant's devoted efforts to avoid answering questions using this phrase, Tanaka was found guilty in 1983.
2. 善処して参ります。Zensho shite mairi masu
Literally means: I will deal with it properly.
Really means: I should deal with it properly, but I don't want to deal with it.
In short, the person uttering this phrase won't do anything.
3. 重く受け止め、粛々と対処いたします。Omoku uketome shukushuku to taisho itashimasu
Literally means: I take it seriously and will deal with it properly and discreetly.
Really means: I hear you and will wait discreetly for people to forget about it.
Kyoto people often say, "考えておきます (I'll think about it)" to refuse the offer, another phrase giving false impressions, but their indirect way of refusing things is to avoid unnecessary tensions or arguments while politicians using these phrases to avoid responsibility. They shouldn't be confused.
「記憶にございません！」を見てきました。ネットに「日常でも使える、かもしれない!? 政治のシーンでよく聞く、ちょっと便利な用語」が掲載されていましたので、英語で解説してみました。
職業柄、訳せない日本語を聞くとイラっとします。京都人の「考えときます」も本当は「No」なので困りますが、言い争いを避けるためということで個人的にはまだ許せます｡｡。政治家の「記憶にございません」は「責任逃れ」のためなので怒り心頭です😠。
職業柄、訳せない日本語を聞くとイラっとします。京都人の「考えときます」も本当は「No」なので困りますが、言い争いを避けるためということで個人的にはまだ許せます｡｡。政治家の「記憶にございません」は「責任逃れ」のためなので怒り心頭です😠。
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