ポジティブなあいづち positive responses

Nov 10, 2024

こんにちは! When talking to someone, people often use responses to show their reactions. And yes, Japanese has some of these too! It’s called 相槌 (あいづち, aizuchi), which refers to the conversational sounds or brief responses people give to show they’re actively listening, understanding, or agreeing. In this issue, we’re going to introduce some common and positive expressions that add a natural flow to conversations.

なるほど (naruhodo)

I see or I understand. This expression is used to show that you understand or acknowledge what the other person is saying. It’s often used thoughtfully to indicate that you grasp new information or a concept.

Example Sentence

A: ごま油(あぶら)と麺(めん)つゆってめちゃくちゃ合(あ)うよ。
Sesame oil and noodle sauce go really well together!
B: なるほど！それは思(おも)いつかなかったわ。
I see! I hadn’t thought of that.

Aburasoba

確かに(たしかに, tashika ni)

Indeed or certainly

This is used to agree with someone’s point, affirming that you understand and accept what they said as valid or insightful.

Example Sentence

A: 絶対秘密(ひみつ)なんだけど、実(じつ)はカツラ被(かぶ)ってるんだよね。
This is just between us, but I’m actually wearing a wig.
B: 確かに！なんか健康的(けんこうてき)な毛髪(もうはつ)になったなと思(おも)ったんだよね。
Indeed! I did think your hair was looking extra healthy.

そうだね/そうですね

Both そうだね and そうですね mean “That’s right” or “I agree,” but there’s a slight difference in formality and tone.

そうだね (sou da ne)
Casual and friendly. Often used with friends, family, or people you’re close to.

A: 今日は天気(てんき)がいいから、公園(こうえん)行(い)こうか？
The weather is nice today, so how about going to the park?
B: そうだね！散歩(さんぽ)するには最高(さいこう)の日(ひ)だ。
That’s right! It’s a perfect day for a walk.

そうですね (sou desu ne)
Polite and more formal.Used in professional settings or with people you don’t know well.

A: 今日は晴(は)れていて気持(きも)ちいい天気(てんき)ですね。
It’s a sunny and pleasant day today, isn’t it?
B: そうですね！お出(で)かけ日和(びより)です。
Yes, it is! Perfect weather for going out.

今週も読んでくれてありがとう！また来週✌️!
Thanks for reading this newsletter! See you next week ✌️!