タメ口

Japanese Slang Japanese ★★★★ 4/5 casual タメぐちtameguchi

読み タメぐち

ローマ字 tameguchi

漢字の分解 タメ (same/equal, from gambling) + 口 (kuchi/guchi, mouth/speech) → casual speech between equals

発音 /ta.me.gu.tɕi/

意味

Casual speech register used with equals and close friends — synonymous with タメ語, the opposite of keigo.

タメ口 (tameguchi) is essentially synonymous with タメ語 (tamego), both referring to the informal speech register used among peers. 口 (kuchi/guchi, 'mouth') emphasises the spoken/verbal aspect. The distinction between タメ口 and 敬語 is central to Japanese social interaction — using タメ口 with someone indicates closeness or equal social standing, while using 敬語 maintains respectful distance. Inappropriate use of タメ口 with seniors or strangers is considered very rude.

例文

初対面でタメ口使ってくる人ちょっと苦手。
仲良くなったらタメ口でいいよ。
タメ口と敬語の切り替えが難しい。

使い方ガイド

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

トーン: casual, relational

正しい言い方

タメ口でいいよ、堅くならなくて。 (You can speak casually, no need to be so formal.)
まだタメ口早くない？ (Isn't it too soon to speak casually?)

避ける言い方

上司に「タメ口で話しましょう」 (Don't suggest speaking in タメ口 to your boss — wait for them to offer)

よくある間違い

Using タメ口 prematurely with Japanese acquaintances — the transition from formal to casual is a significant social step in Japan
Thinking タメ口 and タメ語 are different things — they are synonyms (口 emphasises speech, 語 emphasises language)

起源と歴史

From タメ (tame, 'equal/same,' from gambling slang for matching dice rolls) + 口 (kuchi/guchi, 'mouth/speech'). Like タメ語, it describes the informal speech register used among equals. The term has been in use since 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. A fundamental concept in understanding Japanese social communication and relationship dynamics.