How Do You Comfort an Unhappy Friend in Japanese?

You have to take good care of your friends, so when they have just went through a breakup or did bit get the job they wanted, it is important for you to show them your empathy and that you are listening. After hearing their story your can react by simply saying: sokka そっかー. It simply means ‘is that so’, ‘I see’. This way you’re letting them know that you heard and understood what they have just said, therefore showing your empathy on a first level. You say this with a slightly lowered voice (especially if it’s something serious) to show your support even more. Don’t let the talk turn into a questioning instead of a comforting moment. On a second level you could say something positive to cheer your friend up: ganbatteru to omou yo 頑張ってると思うよ (I think you’re doing the best you can). On a third level, let him or her know that they can reach you anytime. The most widely used messenger app in Japan is called ‘Line’, so it would be suitable to say: itsudemo rain shite ne いつでもラインしてね　(message me via Line anytime). May this post be a reminder for you to message your friends in hard times like these!

Written by Jannick Scherrer