Undecided questions
Lowering Formality
If a friend is speaking to me with long form conjugations (ie. desu/masu), how would I suggest less formal speech. I'm guessing I would just speak the way I want them to and hope they follow suit.
Also, if anyone has stories of situations like this, I would like to hear them.
Also, if anyone has stories of situations like this, I would like to hear them.
Share:
Answers
Sort by:
Yes, similar situations happen among native Japanese speakers, too.
Generally speaking, it's the elder one who can decide whether to use desu/masu or not. It can be impolite if the younger one just starts talking casually, especially before they get very close.
Generally speaking, it's the elder one who can decide whether to use desu/masu or not. It can be impolite if the younger one just starts talking casually, especially before they get very close.
If your friend use " desu/ masu" , you and your friend's relationship might not so frank yet. But, in my opinion, if your friend is elder than you, you should keep using "desu/ masu" after constructing good relationship with him/her. If you don't want to, how about asking your friend,such as " Shall we talk in more frank manner?"
Submit your answer
Please enter between 2 and 2000 characters.
If you copy this answer from another italki answer page, please state the URL of where you got your answer from.
0 comments
Please enter between 2 and 2000 characters.