When I went to Japan, I addressed a woman working in a gift shop as “Obasan(Auntie in Japanese, おばさん)” and she looked a bit angry.
When shopping in Singapore, calling someone “Auntie” gives a sense of friendship so I thought it would be the same in Japan too…
Answer by Japanese teacher
Following two phrases are useful when you want to speak to a woman in Japan
(1) Sumimasen すみません
Excuse me.
(2) Oneesan お
Young lady, Sister.
Explanation
This is a hard scenario. There are some people who don’t mind being called “Obasan(おばさん)” but some people may be offended with the same word.
The former group of people will take your word “Obasan(おばさん)” as a sign of affection. However, the latter group of people may be offended by the fact that you implied she is of an older age.
When you don’t know how to address someone, it is useful to know the expression (1) “Sumimasen (すみません)”. This is a method whereby you avoid directly calling the other person. Just try saying “Sumimasen (すみません)”, and this will pretty much catch that person’s attention.
If you would like to address someone more intimately, you could call her (2) “Oneesan(お
If you go to a Japanese trip and call the gift shop auntie “Oneesan(お