EP44 | Aizuchi in Japanese: How to Sound Natural in Conversations

In this episode, we learn “aizuchi.”
These are small listening responses that Japanese people use all the time during conversations.

You don’t always need to stay silent when someone is speaking.
Instead, you can use short reactions to show:

“I’m listening.”
“I understand.”
“I’m interested.”

Today’s aizuchi:

• あ、はい
Ah, ok / yep

• そうですか
Oh, I see / really?

• なるほど
That makes sense / I get it

• わかりました
I understand

• そうそう
Exactly / yeah, that’s right

• へえ
Oh really / wow

• えー
No way / really?!

Mini note:
When speaking Japanese, small reactions are very important.
Japanese people often use these sounds while listening in conversation.

Try using:
あ、はい / そうですか / なるほど / わかりました / そうそう / へえ / えー

It will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

If you want more practice and real conversation support, I also teach lessons on italki.