How do Japanese people typically start and end casual talks
Japanese people typically start casual conversations with simple greetings followed by an observation or comment related to recent events or surroundings, often about the weather or something happening at that moment. For example, starting a talk with “おはようございます” (Good morning) and then commenting on something recent like the weather or an event is common. They often share something about themselves first, then invite the other person to respond, following a “me first, you second” approach to keep the conversation flowing naturally. Asking direct or personal questions is usually avoided initially, and instead, the tone focuses on feelings and emotional responses rather than just facts to maintain harmony. Small talk topics often include weather, daily events, food, or shared interests, and the conversation resembles a tennis rally, where the exchange is balanced and interactive with frequent acknowledgments like “そうですね” (That’s right) or “へぇ、面白いですね” (Wow, that’s interesting) to show active listening and encourage further talking.
Endings of casual conversations are typically polite and can be gently concluded without abruptness, often using phrases like “それじゃあ、またね” (Well then, see you later) or “今日は楽しかったです、ありがとう” (Today was fun, thank you), ensuring a warm and respectful farewell that keeps the social harmony intact.
Overall, Japanese casual talks emphasize harmony, mutual respect, shared feelings, and gentle flow rather than directness or rapid topic shifts, making both starting and ending conversations smooth and emotionally considerate. 2, 5, 6, 9