Translation and Meaning of: 無沙汰 - busata

The word 「無沙汰」, read as "busata" in romaji, is a Japanese expression used to describe the neglect or absence of communication with someone over a significant period. The etymology of the word derives from two kanji: 「無」 (mu), meaning "without" or "absence," and 「沙汰」 (sata), meaning "message," "communication," or "news." The combination of these characters conveys the idea of "no news" or "no communication."

The expression 「無沙汰」 is often used in correspondence and personal communications to apologize for the delay or absence of contact. In the Japanese cultural context, maintaining regular contact is considered a sign of respect and care, and a lack of communication can be seen as neglect or disinterest. Therefore, 「無沙汰」 carries a tone of apology, acknowledging this gap in communication between the parties.

Although the root of the word 「沙汰」 means communication, it is also used in other contexts, such as in 「善し悪しの沙汰」 (yoshi-ashi no sata), which means "good or bad judgment". This demonstrates the versatility of the kanji 「沙汰」 in different situations. In the expression 「無沙汰」, however, the focus is on the absence or gap of information and contact. It is interesting to note that the word expresses a sense of social responsibility, reflecting the importance of relationships and communication in Japanese culture.

In a society where formalities are highly valued, acknowledging one's own failure to keep in touch can be seen as a first step to repair the relationship. 「無沙汰」, then, is not just a word that expresses absence, but also the intention to reestablish ties, showing the interlocutor that, despite the lack of communication, the relationship is still important.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• ご無沙汰 (Gobusata) - It's been a while since we last talked.
• ご無礼 (Goburei) - I apologize for the lack of contact.
• ご無沙汰申し上げる (Gobusata moushiageru) - I apologize for not having written sooner.
• ご無沙汰しております (Gobusata shiteorimasu) - Sorry for the absence/attack, it's a respectful way of referring to the lack of communication.

無沙汰

Romaji: busata
Kana: ぶさた
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: neglecting to stay in touch

Meaning in English: neglecting to stay in contact

Definition: Long time no contact.

Example Sentences - (無沙汰) busata

See below some example sentences:

ご無沙汰しております。

Gobusata shite orimasu

I've been missing you for a long time.

That was some time ago.

• ご - Japanese honorific that indicates respect or courtesy.
• 無 - negation, absence
• 沙 - Sand
• 汰 - purification, selection
• して - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
• おります - honorific form of the verb "iru" (to be) in the present
• ます - honorific suffix that indicates respect or courtesy