タメ口

• Reading: タメぐち
• Romaji: tameguchi
• Kanji breakdown: タメ (same/equal, from gambling) + 口 (kuchi/guchi, mouth/speech) → casual speech between equals
• Pronunciation: /ta.me.gu.tɕi/

Meaning

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.

Examples

1. 初対面でタメ口使ってくる人ちょっと苦手。 I'm not great with people who use casual speech right when they meet you.
2. 仲良くなったらタメ口でいいよ。 Once we get close, you can talk casually with me.
3. タメ口と敬語の切り替えが難しい。 Switching between casual speech and polite speech is hard.

Usage Guide

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

Tone: casual, relational

Do Say

• 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?)

Don't Say

• 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)

Common Mistakes

• 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)

Origin & History

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.

Cultural Context

Era: 1980s-1990s slang, still current

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across Japan. A fundamental concept in understanding Japanese social communication and relationship dynamics.