I'm curious to hear some thoughts by other authors on using Japanese
language in fanfics, and what the best way to let the reader know
what the words mean, if (s)he doesn't know them already.
Is it better to try to let the reader figure out unknown words and
phrases from context, or is putting in some kind of translation note
preferable? And is it generally OK to use some of the really common
ones, such as "tadaima" or "gomen nasai" or "itadakimasu", and just
assume the average fan knows what they mean?
Or, for example, if I have the following line:
"Kuso!" he swore angrily.
Is it enough for the reader to understand that the character is
cursing, without letting them know what "kuso" means?
'Cause I just got my copy of "Making Out in Japanese", and I can
see myself getting carried away pretty easily.
"Motto hayaku, Tenchiiii! Motto hayaku! Iki-soo-daaaaaaaaaaa!" :)
Hassheen!