タメ語

Japanese Slang Japanese ★★★★ 4/5 casual タメごtamego

読み タメご

ローマ字 tamego

漢字の分解 タメ (same/equal) + 語 (go, language) → informal language used among equals

発音 /ta.me.go/

意味

Casual or informal speech — the opposite of keigo (polite language), used among equals and close friends.

タメ語 refers to informal, casual Japanese speech used among peers (タメ = same level/equal). It is the opposite of 敬語 (keigo, polite/honorific language). Switching from 敬語 to タメ語 is a significant social marker in Japan — it indicates closeness and comfort between speakers. The question 'タメ語でいい？' (Can I speak casually?) is a common way to break down formality barriers in new relationships.

例文

同い年だし、タメ語でいいよ。
あの先輩、初対面なのにタメ語で話してくるの失礼じゃない？
タメ語で話せるようになったら距離縮まった気がする。

使い方ガイド

場面: friends, social situations, dating, school, workplace

トーン: casual, practical

正しい言い方

もうタメ語でよくない？ (Can't we just speak casually now?)
タメ語の方が話しやすい。 (Casual speech is easier to talk in.)

避ける言い方

目上の人に「タメ語で話しましょう」 (Don't suggest using タメ語 to someone clearly above you in the social hierarchy — let them suggest it)

よくある間違い

Switching to タメ語 too quickly with Japanese acquaintances — in Japan, the transition from formal to casual speech is a meaningful social step
Not understanding that タメ語 and タメ口 are synonyms — both mean casual speech

起源と歴史

From タメ (tame, meaning 'equal/same,' from dice gambling where matching rolls are called タメ) + 語 (go, 'language/speech'). タメ originally meant 'same age' or 'equal' in Japanese slang, dating back to the 1980s-1990s.

文化的背景

時代: 1980s-1990s slang, still current

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal

地域メモ: Used across Japan. The concept of タメ語 vs 敬語 is central to understanding Japanese social interaction and relationship-building.