タメ口(ぐち)

ためぐち
noun
casual speech; informal language
informallanguageculture
See also: ため口(ぐち) (casual speech (variant))
1. casual speech; informal language; peer language
Informal speech used between equals or close friends, as opposed to polite or honorific language. Characterized by plain verb forms and casual vocabulary. Often discussed in the context of Japanese social hierarchy and age relationships.
先輩(せんぱい)にタメ口(ぐち)はよくない。
Using casual speech with a senior is not appropriate.
仲(なか)がいいからタメ口(ぐち)で話(はな)している。
We're close, so we speak casually to each other.
初対面(しょたいめん)の人(ひと)にいきなりタメ口(ぐち)を使(つか)うのは失礼(しつれい)だと思(おも)われることが多(おお)い。
It is often considered rude to suddenly use casual speech with someone you've just met.

Etymology

タメ comes from the gambling term meaning "same" (same score/rank), referring to people of equal standing. 口(くち)/口(ぐち) means "speech" or "way of talking."

Cultural note

In Japanese society, the choice between 敬語(けいご) (polite language) and タメ口(ぐち) is an important social decision. Using タメ口(ぐち) with someone older or of higher status is generally considered rude, while switching from 敬語(けいご) to タメ口(ぐち) between peers signals growing closeness.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 敬語(けいご) (polite language)
general
Added 2026.3.14 15:28 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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