相あいづち

noun

aizuchi; backchanneling; interjections showing attention

Refers to the frequent interjections (e.g., はい, ええ, そうですか) used in Japanese conversation to show one is listening and engaged. Often used in the phrase 相づちを打つ.

• 彼かれは話はなしを聞ききながら、適てき度どに相あいづちを打うった。

  He gave appropriate aizuchi while listening to the story.

• 日本にほん語ごの会かい話わでは、相あいづちがとても大たい切せつだ。

  In Japanese conversation, aizuchi are very important.

noun

two smiths hammering in turn

Historical term from swordsmithing; refers to two smiths alternating hammer strikes on the same piece. Rarely used outside historical or technical contexts.

See also: 向こう鎚

• 刀かたな鍛冶かじの作さ業ぎょうでは、師し弟ていが相あい槌づちを打うつ場ば面めんが見みられた。

  In swordsmithing, one could see the master and apprentice hammering in turn.