タメ語(ご)

ためご
noun
casual speech, informal language
informalspokencolloquiallanguagesociety
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(けいご) (polite/formal language).
タメ語(ご)で話(はな)していいよ。
You can talk to me casually.
先輩(せんぱい)にタメ語(ご)を使(つか)うのは失礼(しつれい)だ。
Using casual speech with a senior is rude.
同(おな)い年(どし)だとわかったので、タメ語(ご)に切(き)り替(か)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(ご) means "language/speech." So タメ語(ご) literally means "equal-status language."

Similar words

  • タメ口(ぐち): the same thing, and the more common word; タメ語(ご) is a less frequent variant

Usage

The shift from 敬語(けいご) to タメ語(ご) is an important social milestone in Japanese relationships. Being invited to use タメ語(ご) signals closeness and acceptance.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 敬語(けいご) (polite language)
Compare: タメ口(ぐち) (the same thing, and the more common word)
general
Added 2026.2.10 9:31 · Revised 2026.10.11 22:08
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