If a Japanese Staffer Says THIS Word, Freeze
To say No - not allowed. in Japanese, say ダメです (dame desu).
If someone in Japan says this one short word to you, stop what you're doing immediately.
ダメです
dame desu
No - not allowed.
In this video
- ダメです dame desu If a shopkeeper or guard in Japan says one short word to you, freeze. It means you're about to do something you shouldn't.
- ダメです dame desu The word is 「ダメです」, 'no, not allowed'. No photos, no entry, don't touch. It's said TO you, so you need to recognize it.
- 写真はダメです。 shashin wa dame desu No photos.
- ご遠慮ください go-enryo kudasai On polite signs you'll see it dressed up: 「ご遠慮ください」, please refrain. Same meaning, softer.
- あ、すみません。 a, sumimasen Oh, sorry.
- ダメです dame desu Hear 「ダメです」? Stop, say 「すみません」, and step back. That's all it takes. Follow for one phrase a day that keeps you out of trouble.
Why this phrase
Dame desu is the word staff and guards use when something's off-limits: no photos, no entry, don't touch. Recognize it, and know the polite way to back off.
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