🧭 Same phrase, opposite meaning!? The tricky “hokasu” and “horu” in Kansai dialect
In the Kansai region, “hokasu” and “horu” mean to throw something away.
But outside Kansai, those same words—especially “hottoite~”—
are usually interpreted as “leave it be” or “don’t touch it.”
This difference can lead to serious misunderstandings.
If a Kansai person says “hottoite~” meaning “throw it away,”
someone from another region might think they meant “leave it alone.”
The result? The trash stays where it is 😅
So listen carefully to the context, especially when cleaning up or shopping!
🔍 Standard Japanese vs. Kansai Dialect: How to Say “Throw It Away”
🗾 Standard Japanese
✅️ Expression
捨てる（suteru）
→ to throw away
✅️ Example
🔸それ、捨てておいて〜
➡ Please throw that away.
🎯 Kansai Dialect
✅️ Expression
ほかす／ほる（hokasu / horu）
→ to throw away (Kansai)
✅️ Example
🔸それ、ほっといて〜
➡ Throw that away.
💡 HIn Kansai dialect, “hottoite” might mean “throw it away,” not “leave it alone”! Watch the context!
💬 Sample Phrases Using "horu/hokasu" in Kansai Dialect
1️⃣ もうそれいらんから、ほっといて〜
Mō sore iran kara, hottuitee~
2️⃣ この紙、ほかしといてくれる？
Kono kami, hokashitōite kureru?
3️⃣ ゴミ箱にほっといて！
Gomibako ni hottoite!
4️⃣ それ、ほかさんといてな
Sore, hokasantoitena
1️⃣ I don’t need that anymore, just throw it away.
2️⃣ Can you throw this paper away
3️⃣ Toss it in the trash can!
4️⃣ Don’t throw that away, okay?
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