1.
to give back-channel responses; to nod along; to make listening noises
To show the speaker that you are listening by interjecting short responses such as うん, はい, なるほど, そうですね, etc. An essential part of Japanese conversational etiquette.
Usage
Back-channeling (相槌) is a critical part of Japanese communication. Failing to give 相槌 may make the speaker feel ignored or uncomfortable. Common 相槌 include: うん, ええ, はい, そうですね, なるほど, 本当ですか.
Common collocations
- 相槌を打つ (give back-channel responses)
- 適度に相槌を打つ (give responses at appropriate intervals)
- 上手に相槌を打つ (give good back-channel responses)
Cultural note
Japanese speakers use 相槌 far more frequently than speakers of most other languages. This can be surprising for non-Japanese speakers, who may interpret the frequent はい and うん as agreement rather than simply acknowledgment of listening.