Daily Japanese Expression: 「ちょっと…。(chotto…)」

We pic up and share some useful Japanese (Nihongo) phrases which you can use in your daily life in Japan.

Today’s topic is “ちょっと…。(chotto…)”

Have you ever heard that Japanese people do not say ‘No’ ? Actually, that is true.

Japanese language is a high-context language which require speaker/listener to read between the lines. When Japanese people are asked some kind of difficult requires, they say “ちょっと…。(chogo…)” with some kind of deep mood instead of saying ’no’. Then the listener understands that the request is rejected.

Literally, “ちょっと(chotto)” means ‘a little’ or ‘a bit’.

This is the sample conversation using the phrase.

[SAMPLE]

A: 今度の日曜日、空いてる？(Kondo no nichiyoubi aiteru?)

B: 日曜日は、ちょっと…。(Nichiyoubi wa chotto…)

<English>

A: Are you free on coming Sunday?

B: Well, the Sunday is …

Use the Japanese phrase and enjoy your daily life in Japan.

See you soon.