It might have been slightly disturbing to converse with a native Japanese person in Japanese – or even another language – because of their constant interjections.
It’s because nodding, saying “I see” (“なるほど”), “Oh really?” (“そうですか”) or just grunting is considered a polite way of following a speaker.
This technique is called “aizuchi” in Japanese and we will discuss in this article.
What is Aizuchi and What does Aizuchi mean in Japanese
In the Japanese language, aizuchi(相槌 or あいづち) are interjections used to indicate attention or understanding during a conversation. A phatic expression is a form of linguistic expression. As a reassuring indicator of your involvement in the discussion, aizuchi are considered reassuring to the speaker.
These have a similar function to English “yeah”, “yup”, “OK”, “really?”, “uh-huh”, “oh”, and so on.
Non-native speakers frequently misinterpret aizuchi as approval or agreement. Non-native speakers may assume that their Japanese counterparts have always agreed with their suggestions, especially with hai (はい, “yes”), implying that they understand or follow the suggestions, not “agree.
An AIzuchi can also appear in the form of an echo question, which contains a noun plus desu ka (ですか). As Speaker A asks a question, Speaker B may repeat a key noun followed by desu ka in order to confirm what Speaker A called attention to or to keep communication open while Speaker B thinks of an answer. Using an English analogy,: “So I bought this new car”; reply: “A car?”.
Common lists aizuchi include:
- hai (はい), ee (ええ), or un (うん, “yes”, with varying degrees of formality)
- sō desu ne (そうですね, “I see”)
- sō desu ka (そうですか, “is that so?”, “really?”)
- hontō (本当), hontō ni (本当に), maji (マジ), or (in Kansai) honma (本真, “really?”)
- naruhodo (なるほど, “I see”, “that’s right”)
Foreigners who aren’t used to “aizuchi” may find it annoying, but it isn’t strictly speaking used to show you’re following along with the speaker. “Aizuchi” can also be used in other cultures to indicate you want the speaker to get to the point or just wrap up the conversation.
When a Japanese person says, “aa, so,” he or she may be indicating that they’re interested in what you’re saying, or it could be a way to say, “Hey, whatever you say is fine with me”
When a Japanese person says, “aa, so,” he or she may be indicating that they’re interested in what you’re saying, or it could be a way to say, “Hey, whatever you say is fine with me”
Why is Aizuchi important?
In Japanese, aizuchi(相槌 or あいづち)is an important form of communication. Listening is characterized by grunts and interjections. During conversation, one will say things like uh-huh, yeah, right, okay, I see, I get it, gotcha, sure, and so on.
You might appear uninterested or distant without aizuchi.
“But that doesn’t make any sense,” you might reply, “I’m looking the person directly in the eye while they speak.” Nodding and looking directly at them sometimes isn’t enough. They might even ask you continuously if you’re listening and if you understand what they’re saying! Are you familiar with this? My experience with this scenario is endless!
The Japanese buddy might wait at the very least for an expected “mmhmm” even if they are speaking English to you. Many of my Japanese friends and coworkers use aizuchi in the English language classroom or in the office when chatting.
In the same way, if you don’t use aizuchi on the phone, your conversations may consist of “Hello?” “What?” “Are you there?” Listen for aizuchi next time!
Why do Japanese men grunt?
Additionally, Japanese communicate without actual words by using sounds such as hissing, grunting, growling, and sighing. These actions are also examples of non-verbal communication.
American perspectives on Japanese seem stoic and unemotional, but they actually convey a lot of emotions non-verbally, including facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, and gestures.etc. It is important to sharpen your antennas in order to understand all types of Japanese non-verbal communication. This time, rather than pounding a table, an eyebrow might be raised or the mouth might turn downward. Observe patterns consciously.
As another “automatic” Japanese verbal response, aizuchi (words that indicate that you are listening) can be used. This is equivalent to “uh-huh” in English. In Japanese, aizuchi means “yes,” which is translated as “yes” in English. In this case, you might think that someone agreed with your statement, when they were actually confirming their understanding. Ask whether you have been approved, even if you are told yes (and nodding heads often accompany it!).
How to Use Aizuchi Like a Native
When I use tips like “start with the weather” or “talk about food and travel,” the story doesn’t bounce when I do it… You might find it easier to have a conversation with “Aizuchi” in such a case. Here are five variations we recommend.
The word “yes” is commonly associated with agreement in English. The words はい, ええ, and うん indicate that you’re listening to what someone else is saying, even if you don’t necessarily agree with what they’re saying.
Aizuchi are most commonly found in:
はい: Among the most commonly heard aizuchi words is “Hai.”
It’s commonly used in formal Japanese situations or by female speakers. As well as “yes,” “uh-huh,” and “ok,” it can also be used to express agreement.
ええ: The word “Ee” is also very common, and can be used by women who know one another, or have been in a familiar environment before.
In this sense, it’s like saying “yes,” “whoa,” and “gotcha”.
うん:In casual conversation, both girls and guys can use “Un”.
There are also words like “yeah,” “yup,” “uh-huh,” and “that’s right.”.
そう： “Sou,” which means, “I see.”
そうですか： “Sou desu ka” can be used in a polite way. These mean, “I see,” “Is that so?”
そうっか： “Soukka” and そうですよね (sou desu yo ne) refer to casually saying, “I see,” “Gotcha,” “Ah, that’s it.”
へえ：” Hee” (pronounced like “hey”) is a common way to show shock or surprise. It can be used like, “really,” “huh?” “no way,” “Oh, really
本当に：The commonly used way to say, “really” or “seriously?”, is “Hontou ni”. Similarly, you can use 本当ですか (hontou desu ka) as a polite way to ask, “Is that so?”. Think 本当に and 本当ですか
Why do the Japanese say UN or Hai?
Just to add, it’s just nodding to acknowledge that you’re being listened to. While someone is speaking to you, some English speakers may say “a-ha, a-ha”. It is done with everyone (including seniors)
In some cases, it is used as neutral filler speech to indicate that you are listening. Sometimes it’s used to acknowledge someone. As an indication that the topic is changing, it is sometimes used as a delineating device. You can use it to say “here you go”
It is not uncommon to hear the Japanese word hai translated into English as “no” when listening to Japanese dialogue in a movie or game. You’ve probably learned somewhere that hai means “yes” and iie means “no” even if you only know five words in Japanese.
Best 5 Ways How to Respond to Aizuchi
1. 「へぇー」「なるほど」 “Ahh” “I see”
The aizuchi tells the other person that you’re listening, but it also makes it easier for them to express themselves. You can tell that you are interested in someone if you use it emotionally.
2. 「すごい」「さすがですね」”Wow” “As expected That you are”
As well as conveying surprise and respect, the word aizuchi also satisfies the speaker’s desire to be approved of. For adults, it is recommended that you use the “It’s true” aizuchi as opposed to the “Wow” aizuchi that many young women use so frequently.
3. 「そうなんですね」「そうだったんですね」”Is that so”
You can use it for both good and bad stories with this aizuchi. The conversation may stop depending on the other party and the situation, so let’s ask a question to encourage it.
4.「よくわかります」「私もそう思います」 “I understand” “I think so too”
To convey consent, use Aizuchi. The more empathy points you have, the closer you will be to the other party. In the event that you share the same opinions and feelings as me, let’s tell them positively instead of telling lies.
5.「勉強になるなぁ」「いいことを聞いたなぁ」”I heard something good”
If you hear useful information or good stories, I would like you to try Aizuchi. If you say it like a soliloquy, it doesn’t sound like a compliment.
If you watch a Japanese drama or are in Japan, you might see this. People might take a sharp breath and turn away for a brief and dramatic moment instead of nodding with an aizuchi during a heated argument.
Why do Japanese nod so much?
People nod during conversation as a sign of acknowledgment or to indicate they are listening. Nodding is a gesture of politeness and does not necessarily imply agreement. Expressing Emotions: Displaying intense emotion is usually avoided in Japanese communication.
Are Japanese Good listeners?
There is a common misconception that Japanese are good listeners among non-Japanese. It is said in Japanese, “Hear one, understand ten.” In other words, pay attention to both what is said and what isn’t said. Reading between the lines is a skill the Japanese have mastered.
Why do the Japanese say Mmm?
It might have been slightly disturbing to converse with a native Japanese person in Japanese – or even another language – because of their constant interjections.
It’s because nodding, saying “I see” (“なるほど”), “Oh really?” (“そうですか”) or just grunting is considered a polite way of following a speaker.
