SACE Stage 2 Japanese (continuers) cheat sheet
SACE Stage 2 Japanese (continuers) · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Knowledge and understanding of Japanese language and culture
Politeness is relational, not absolute: うち (in-group) versus そと (out-group) decides whether you use humble or honorific forms for your own family or company.
Seasonal greeting (時候のあいさつ) opens formal letters, e.g. 暑さが厳しい折, and is followed by a health enquiry about the reader.
Gift-giving norms: お中元 in summer and お歳暮 in winter go to people who have helped you; お返し is the return gift expected after receiving one.
School and work calendar terms: 入学式, 卒業式, 新学期, 部活, アルバイト are frequent in personal texts and reveal the writer's stage of life.
Honorific title さん is general, さま for customers and letters, 先生 for teachers and doctors, 部長/課長 for positions; never use さん with your own name.
Bowing and set phrases pair with situations: いただきます before eating, ごちそうさま after, いってきます/いってらっしゃい on leaving and returning home.
Onomatopoeia is cultural as well as linguistic: ドキドキ (heartbeat), わくわく (excitement), ぺこぺこ (hunger or bowing) appear in manga, ads and casual speech.