Responding to compliments

[tazzy]

So, I keep getting a lot of compliments here in Japan. In particular kids seem to always say I'm cool...despite them not knowing me and me never having had a chance to show how cool or uncool I may be. I guess they're taking a stab with one of the few English words they know?
My friend works at a high school and when I went to pick him up from work today I even got a couple of kawaii des nes aimed my way when a gaggle of girls came over to talk to me. Which was odd. Maybe I'm good looking to some (drunk?) girls but most certainly not in a 'cute' sort of way! (especially end the end of a hard day at work when I hadn't shaved on the morning...)

So yeah.
I recall reading the Japanese throw around compliments like nobody's business and the done thing is just to say 'no no not at all!' or the like.
I tried that earlier today though when a girl (university age this time luckily!) commented that I was cool. I got some pretty odd looks from my Japanese colleagues for this though and set the girl and her friend laughing.
hmm....

[shu]

lol your one lucky guy take advantage of it.

[masaegu]

Originally Posted by MissMisa

I would like to know this too! When I was complimented, I didn't know what to say. I know you weren't supposed to say thanks, because that is like acknowleging it's true which is frowned upon, right?

So if someone is complimenting your appearance, what is a good thing to say in response if you want to be humble etc?

My teacher told me to say ぜんぜん I think, can't remember properly though.

Eternal Truth: Deny it!

Anyone who tells you otherwise knows nothing about Japanese culture, period.

You could say 「ぜんぜん」 only if you are speaking to a close friend. With strangers and older people, use 「そんなことありません（よ）。」 or 「そんなことないです（よ）。」.

[RealJames]

Originally Posted by masaegu

Eternal Truth: Deny it!

Anyone who tells you otherwise knows nothing about Japanese culture, period.

You could say 「ぜんぜん」 only if you are speaking to a close friend. With strangers and older people, use 「そんなことありません（よ）。」 or 「そんなことないです（よ）。」.

I also like to use え？だれ？！？わたし？？！ and then deny it, it gets more laughs

[JohnBraden]

What happens when you're complimenting how cute a baby is to his/her mother? I've done so a few times and was rewarded with smiles and "thank you!"s. Is it because they know gaijin will compliment total strangers without being shy about it? They thanked me and went on to tell me his/her name and it seemed they were tickled pink anyone out of their "circle" gave them any kind of attention. I know it's natural for Westerners to do it. Perhaps the Japanese have figured that out?

[RealJames]

Originally Posted by JohnBraden

What happens when you're complimenting how cute a baby is to his/her mother? I've done so a few times and was rewarded with smiles and "thank you!"s. Is it because they know gaijin will compliment total strangers without being shy about it? They thanked me and went on to tell me his/her name and it seemed they were tickled pink anyone out of their "circle" gave them any kind of attention. I know it's natural for Westerners to do it. Perhaps the Japanese have figured that out?

You're a milf-hunter aren't you...

[JohnBraden]

Originally Posted by RealJames

You're a milf-hunter aren't you...

Nope! I guess it's the child/toddler that engages me first by looking at me. I then start smiling and playing peek-a-boo. The kid then starts laughing and that's what catches the mother's attention....

Now, if the mother is receptive....... Lol!!!

[SHAD0W]

Originally Posted by JohnBraden

What happens when you're complimenting how cute a baby is to his/her mother? I've done so a few times and was rewarded with smiles and "thank you!"s. Is it because they know gaijin will compliment total strangers without being shy about it? They thanked me and went on to tell me his/her name and it seemed they were tickled pink anyone out of their "circle" gave them any kind of attention. I know it's natural for Westerners to do it. Perhaps the Japanese have figured that out?

Maybe it's because I wasn't looking for them, but I didn't see any babies while in Japan?

[Columbine]

Originally Posted by MissMisa

Me neither you know! In fact, I was confused as there was a distinct lack of kids about anywhere, even on weekends and stuff. Fine by me though cos I'm rubbish with kids and ain't so fond of them. XD

Really? I saw them all over the place. Then again I lived in a commuter suburb.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by MissMisa

Me neither you know! In fact, I was confused as there was a distinct lack of kids about anywhere, even on weekends and stuff. Fine by me though cos I'm rubbish with kids and ain't so fond of them. XD

I know lots of families don't take kids to downtown Tokyo or Osaka or other places like that because 1) a lost kid is LOST and 2) kids don't enjoy it.

I remember being in parts of Tokyo and not only not seeing any children, but not seeing any women, or any men not wearing neckties.