Japanese word

相槌

Pronunciation

Romajiaizuchi

Meaning

  • nounbackchannel

Example

先生の話を聞きながら、相槌を打ちます。sen sei no hanashi o ki ki na ga ra ai zuchi o u chi ma su

I give backchannel responses while listening to the teacher.

Illustration for 相槌 (backchannel)

More examples

相手の話を遮らずに、短い相槌を入れます。ai te no hanashi o saegi ra zu ni mijika i ai zuchi o i re ma su

I give brief backchannel responses without interrupting the other person.

Core concept

Marks the listener's presence and understanding while the other person continues speaking.

Common phrases

  • 相槌を打つai zuchi o u tsu

    give backchannel responses

Similar words

合いの手ainote: A brief verbal response that shows a listener is following another person's words.
頷きunazuki: A slight movement of the head used to show that a person is listening or understands.
返事henji: A reply made after hearing a question, call, or statement.

Definition in Japanese

話し手の発言中に、聞き手がうなずきや短い返答で示す反応。hana shi te no hatsu gen chū ni ki ki te ga u na zu ki ya mijika i hen tō de shime su han nō

Word origin

相槌 (aizuchi) combines 相 (ai, "mutual") and 槌 (tsuchi, "hammer"), recalling the alternating hammer blows used by two people forging metal.

Usage tips

  • A backchannel can be verbal or nonverbal, so a short response or a nod can support the speaker without taking over the conversation.

Other meanings

  • acknowledgmentnoun

Word lists with this word