1.
casual speech, informal language between equals
Informal, plain-form speech used between people of equal status (same age, close friends, etc.). Contrasted with 敬語 (polite/formal language).
タメ語で話していいよ。
You can talk to me casually.
先輩にタメ語を使うのは失礼だ。
Using casual speech with a senior is rude.
同い年だとわかったので、タメ語に切り替えた。
Once I found out we were the same age, I switched to casual speech.
ETYMOLOGY:
タメ comes from gambling slang where タメ means "equal" (as in dice showing the same number). 語 means "language/speech." So タメ語 literally means "equal-status language."
USAGE:
The shift from 敬語 to タメ語 is an important social milestone in Japanese relationships. Being invited to use タメ語 signals closeness and acceptance.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- タメ語で話す: to speak casually
- タメ語を使う: to use casual speech
- タメ語に切り替える: to switch to casual speech
- タメ語でいい: casual speech is fine