Aizuchi: The Japanese Habit of Active Listening

Aizuchi (相槌) are the short reactions listeners give to show they''re paying attention. Using them makes you sound far more natural.

Common aizuchi

• うん / はい — yes / mm-hm
• そうですね — that''s right / I see
• 本当ですか — really?
• なるほど — I see / makes sense
• へえ〜 — wow / interesting

Why they matter

In Japanese, staying silent while someone talks can feel like you''re not listening. Frequent, gentle aizuchi keep the conversation flowing and friendly.

How to use them

Sprinkle them naturally as the other person speaks — a nod plus a short そうですね goes a long way. Watch native conversations and copy the timing.

Master aizuchi and even simple conversations will feel warm and authentically Japanese.