抄録
This study investigates how the original meaning of words changes by adding the Japanese prefixes ‘O’ or ‘Go’. First of all, there are three cases where this change of meaning occurs: ①terms related to spirits, buddhas and noblemen(Omae, Okazari, etc.) ② items from daily life (Okazu, Otama, Oshibori, etc.) and ③negative expressions(Oshyaka, Oshikise, Osomatsu, Onagare, etc.). Moreover, there are two cases where the change of meaning is limited to certain contexts: ①in daily life(Ohiya, Otsumami, Otsuri etc.) and ②in personal relationships(Otyoshimono, Ochame, Oshare, etc.). Compared to ‘O’, ‘Go’ doesn’t produce so many changes of meaning. For example, ‘Goden’, ‘Goriyaku’, ‘Gomen’, ‘Gochisou’, etc. The common link between them is an expression of respect towards elder people, but this is a feature that is shared with the use of ‘Go’ as a sign of respect towards your listener. This study shows the effects for the original words by adding prefix of ‘O’ or ‘Go’. In addition it also investigates the features of its original word meanings.
