So what I've noticed when two people talk who just met (e.g. in a street interview, OmeTV), they often use a mix of 敬語 and casual speech within the same conversation. Is there a reason, why they don't use 敬語 for every sentence, although they are strangers? Thank you in advance!
#Question about 敬語
sudden steppe
fresh trailBOT
<@&1248039856404431062> Question about 敬語
steady scroll
Native Japanese speaker here! 🇯🇵
Great observation! This mixing happens naturally for a few reasons:
First, people often start with 敬語 to be polite, but as the conversation gets more relaxed and comfortable, they naturally drift toward casual speech — it's a sign the conversation is going well 😊
Second, switching to casual speech can actually be a social signal — it means "I feel comfortable with you now." Staying in full 敬語 the whole time can sometimes feel a bit stiff or distant.
Third, many Japanese people mix without even noticing — it's not always a conscious choice!
The "rule" is 敬語 with strangers, but in real life, it's more like a starting point than a strict rule 🎌