Welcome to our Japanese lesson blog. Every week or so, a JOI teacher posts a new entry,
covering a range of Japanese and Japan-related topics. Try reading the Japanese version first,
then scroll down to check your understanding with the English translation.
New Japanese vocabulary, phrases, and usage patterns appear in blue,
with translation and usage notes at the bottom of the text. For a Kanji reading challenge, click the
blue icon below to turn off furigana (the small hiragana above the Kanji). Please enjoy, and check back often
for the latest topic.
Do you know about the Japanese word “aizuchi” ?
When you are talking to other people how do you express the sentiment of “I'm listening to what you are saying”.
I express this by saying“hai” or “eeh” or “naruhodo” or”un” and I give a little nod as I say these words.
This type of expression is what we mean when we say “aizuchi” and the action of replying to someone using this type of expression is known as “aizuchi wo utsu”.
Since coming to Canada, I have come to realize that I use “aizuchi” very frequently.
If some Canadian people had an aizuchi competition I would definitely win !
When I meet an English speaker, especially for the first time, I still get a little nervous.This is because it soon becomes obvious that they use less “aizuchi” than I do.For example, at the start of the conversation the other person would often reply with an expression like “uh-huh” or “yeah” but after a while they start to become silent.
I dread that moment of silence.It become worried and start to think, “Is my English understandable ?”or “Is this person actually listening to me ?” But I've come to realize that this silence is inevitable over here.
The Japanese word “aizuchi” cannot be translated into a single word in English. I wonder why this is . Some say that certain words that are peculiar to a certain country, are expressions of the disposition of that country and the national traits found there.
I'm not the only person who uses a lot of “aizuchi”, it seems to be a Japanese characteristic.
The Japanese people feel relieved when they hear the other person respond with “aizuchi” and find comfort in giving “aizuchi” when listening to other people – So I am definitely Japanese !
Have you ever realized the amount of “aizuchi” you hear when you are talking to Japanese people ? What is it like in your country ? What is the response between people in conversations like in your country ?
今週の語彙 This week’s vocabulary
■相槌give responses to make a conversation smoothly/back channel communication ■相手 partner( in this case listener ) ■表す show/ express ■うなずく nod ■反応response ■頻繁に frequently ■特に especially ■初対面 first meeting ■英語話者 English speaking people ■緊張する be nervous ■明らかに obviously ■無言、沈黙 silence ■特有 peculiar ■性質 nature/ disposition ■特質characteristic ■気付く notice /realize.
To post your comment, click here (current students only—login is required).
To post your comment, 