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What are some common phrases for casual Japanese chats visualisation

What are some common phrases for casual Japanese chats

Fluent Japanese Conversations: Your Daily Speaking Guide: What are some common phrases for casual Japanese chats
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Here are some common phrases used in casual Japanese chats, perfect for informal conversations with friends:

  • おはよう (Ohayou) — Good morning
  • 元気？ (Genki?) — How are you?
  • 最近、何か面白いことあった？ (Saikin, nanka omoshiroi koto atta?) — Anything interesting happening lately?
  • いや～ (Iya~) — Nah~, a casual way to express a laid-back “no” or to start a story
  • マジ！ (Maji!) — No way!/Seriously? (to show excitement or disbelief)
  • ウケル～ (Ukeru~) — That’s hilarious! / LOL
  • いいよ！ (Ii yo!) — Sure! (to express agreement or enthusiasm)
  • じゃあ (Jaa) — So, (to transition smoothly)
  • はいはい (Hai hai) — Sure, sure (casual agreement)
  • ありがとう (Arigatou) — Thank you
  • ごめんね (Gomen ne) — Sorry / My apologies
  • なんで (Nande) — Why? (to ask for reason)
  • わかる (Wakaru) — I understand
  • すごい / すげー (Sugoi / Sugee) — Amazing / Incredible (casual)
  • ねえ (Nee) — Hey/Yeah?/Right? (to seek agreement or attention)
  • お疲れ (Otsukare) — Good job / Thanks for your hard work
  • なんでやねん (Nande yane) — What’s going on? / What the heck? (to express disbelief or confusion)
  • 大丈夫 (Daijoubu) — It’s okay / I’m fine
  • ほんと (Honto) — Really / Seriously
  • うるさい (Urusai) — Shut up / You’re noisy
  • やばい (Yabai) — Risky / Dangerous / Awesome / Woah (very versatile)
  • あいつ (Aitsu) — That guy / That person (casual, sometimes dismissive)

These phrases are widely used in informal settings and with friends. Remember that casual Japanese is best reserved for close friends, family, or peers, and you should use polite forms with strangers or in formal contexts. 1

Some shorter casual expressions include:

  • じゃね (Ja ne) — See you
  • いいね！ (Ii ne!) — Nice!/That’s cool!
  • だめだよ (Dame da yo) — That’s not good/No way!
  • うそ！ (Uso!) — No way!/You’re lying!
  • ちょっと待って (Chotto matte) — Wait a minute/hold on. 3

These phrases provide a good foundation for casual chats in Japanese and add authenticity to your conversations with native speakers.

References

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