Polite to Stranger
Cultural · Communication
宗派によってお線香の本数が違うので、ご家族に確認するといいですよ。 — The number of incense sticks differs by Buddhist sect, so it's good to check with the family. (Cultural · Communication, Polite to Stranger, JLPT N3)
You
宗派によってお線香の本数が違うので、ご家族に確認するといいですよ。
しゅうはによっておせんこうのほんすうがちがうので、ごかぞくにかくにんするといいですよ。
The number of incense sticks differs by Buddhist sect, so it's good to check with the family.
Romaji: Shuuha ni yotte osenkou no honsuu ga chigau node, gokazoku ni kakunin suru to ii desu yo. / Reply Romaji: Sou na n desu ne. Shirimasen deshita. Arigatou gozaimasu.
Reply
そうなんですね。知りませんでした。ありがとうございます。
そうなんですね。しりませんでした。ありがとうございます。
I didn't know that. Thank you for telling me.
Gesture & etiquette
When offering this advice, do so quietly, off to the side, never in front of the deceased. A gentle nod and soft voice. If demonstrating at the altar, hold incense with right hand, light from candle (never blow out the flame—wave it gently with your left hand).
Incense stick counts by sect: Tendai/Shingon use 3 sticks (stood upright), Soto Zen uses 1 (stood upright), Rinzai Zen uses 1 (stood), Pure Land (Jodo) uses 1 broken in half (laid horizontally), Jodo Shinshu uses 1 broken in half (laid horizontally, do not light upright). Asking the family politely shows respect rather than ignorance.