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10 — Words
“Kinodokuna”
means thank you.
An old lady takes her change at a shop and says, “Kinodokuna.” On a slippery morning: “It's kinkan-namanama out there.” Kanazawa's words carry the reserved, considerate temperament of an old castle town. Here is a short guide to local words that will make a visit a little richer.
The most important word
How does “what a pity” become “thank you”?
In standard Japanese, ki no doku expresses pity for someone. In Kanazawa, though, when someone does something for you, you say, “Ara, kinodokuna.” It means “thank you”.
It is thought to come from a sense of being indebted: “I've caused you trouble on my account.” Rather than stating thanks outright, it acknowledges the burden you placed on the other person — a reserved, tactful expression typical of a castle town.
Another word of thanks is “anyato”, a more casual “thanks”. Fewer young people use these words now, but they are very much alive in conversation with older people.
Kanazawa speech shares much with other Hokuriku dialects, but it is often said to sound soft and polite, partly because the domain actively imported Kyoto culture. Even within Ishikawa, expressions and intonation differ subtly between Kanazawa, Noto and southern Kaga.
A Kanazawa word list
Words worth knowing
Meanings and usage with examples. Usage varies by area and generation.
Thank you (I'm obliged)
“Konna ni takusan, kinodokuna” — “So much? Thank you.”
Please do…
“Tabemasshi” (please eat), “Mite kimasshi” (go and have a look). A soft invitation and the classic Kanazawa ending.
Fool, idiot
“Dara na koto iuna” — “Don't talk nonsense.” The stronger form is “darabuchi”. Use with care.
Well-behaved, good
“Katai ko ya nee” praises a child. It does not mean stubborn.
No problem, it's fine
“Tsukaen yo” — “That's all right.” Easily misheard as “useless”, so beware.
Frustrating, vexing
“It's not moving at all — hagayashii!” Hard to translate neatly; very Kanazawa.
Annoying, bothersome
“My fringe is ijikkashii.” Used of weather and people too.
Wasteful, a shame to waste
“Throwing it out when it still works? Otomashii.” A word that reflects the thrifty local character.
Cute, charming
“What an aisorashii baby.”
A little
“Chokkoshi mattotte” — “Wait a moment.”
To lean, to tilt
“That frame is katagattoru” — “That frame is crooked.” Common across Hokuriku.
No, not at all
“Naan, tsukaen yo” — “Oh no, it's quite all right.”
It's that…, you know
“Sou na gen” (that's how it is), “Iku gen?” (are you going?). An ending that marks a Kanazawa speaker.
Frozen slick and shiny
Packed snow frozen into a gleaming, slippery road on a winter morning. A snow-country word best learned by its sound.
Travel tip
What the words reveal about local manners
Kanazawa people are sometimes said to be a little reserved with strangers. It is not coldness but a castle-town courtesy of not intruding too far. Exchanges like “kinodokuna” and “tsukaen yo” are full of care not to burden others or make them feel obliged.
If someone says “kinodokuna” to you, they are thanking you. Reply “Naan, tsukaen yo” (“Oh, it's nothing”) and you may see a Kanazawa face soften into a smile.
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