相槌を打つ

• Reading: あいづちをうつ
• Romaji: aizuchi wo utsu
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (sō/ai) — mutual; 槌 (tsui/tsuchi) — hammer, mallet; 打 (da/u) — strike, hit
• Pronunciation: /a.i.d͡zɯ.t͡ɕi.o.ɯ.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

To make use of aizuchi; to back-channel. Throwing in interjections to show that one is paying attention during a conversation.

An expression combining 相槌 (response, back-channelling) with 打つ (to strike). In Japanese communication, nodding and inserting words like うん, はい, そうですね while listening is essential etiquette. Failure to do so can make the speaker feel ignored.

Examples

1. 話を聞きながら適切に相槌を打つことが大切だ。 It's important to offer appropriate back-channeling responses while listening to someone.
2. 彼女は相槌を打ちながら熱心にメモを取っていた。 She was taking notes eagerly while nodding along.
3. 面接では自然に相槌を打つように心がけた。 I made a point of back-channeling naturally during the interview.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, business, interviews

Tone: instructive

Origin & History

From 相槌, originally meaning the mutual striking of hammers by blacksmiths working in rhythm. The metaphor extended to conversational rhythm where a listener strikes back with responses in sync with the speaker.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal