1.
chat; small talk; casual conversation
Informal conversation on random topics, not focused on any particular subject or purpose.
休憩時間に同僚と雑談をした。
I chatted with my coworker during the break.
雑談で盛り上がった。
We got excited chatting about random things.
仕事の話はやめて雑談しよう。
Let's stop talking about work and just chat.
WORD FORMATION:
雑 (miscellaneous, various) + 談 (talk, conversation) → miscellaneous talk
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 雑談する (to chat, to have small talk)
- 雑談で盛り上がる (to get excited chatting)
- 雑談力 (ability to make small talk - a valued social skill)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 世間話 (small talk) - more about everyday topics, news
- おしゃべり (chatting) - more casual, often longer conversations
- 雑談 - general casual talk, often in work/formal settings
- 井戸端会議 (gossip session) - informal neighborhood gossip
USAGE NOTE:
雑談 is neutral and often used in workplace contexts. 雑談力 (small talk skills) is considered an important social skill in Japanese business culture for building relationships.