How to Say "Chat" in Japanese

チャット

chatto

In Japanese, the phrase "chat" is translated as チャット (chatto).

The term チャット specifically refers to text-based digital communication (like instant messaging or online chat rooms) rather than spoken conversation.

Meaning: be engaged in informal conversation (verb)

Which one should you use?

While チャット refers to digital text-based chatting, おしゃべり is used for spoken idle talk or gossiping.

chatto

In Japanese digital culture, チャット is often distinguished from LINE, the dominant messaging app, which is so ubiquitous that people often say they will 'LINE' someone rather than 'chat'.
Japanese speakers may use 雑談 (zatsudan) for 'chatting' in professional settings to describe 'small talk' used to build rapport before starting a business meeting.
While チャット is for digital text, the word おしゃべり can be used as a noun to describe a person who talks too much, effectively meaning 'a chatterbox'.

おしゃべりしましょう！
Let's have a chat!
何か話をしましょう。
Let's have a chat about something.
ゆっくりおしゃべりしましょう。
Let's chat leisurely.
友達とチャットしています。
Tomodachi to chatto shite imasu.
I am chatting with my friend.
夜遅くまでチャットをしました。
Yoru osoku made chatto o shimashita.
I chatted until late at night.
チャットで連絡を取りましょう。
Chatto de renraku o torimashō.
Let's keep in touch via chat.

Two friends are talking about their plans for the evening.

大翔 Hiroto

今夜、時間がある？
konya, jikan ga aru?
Do you have time tonight?
陽葵 Himari

うん、どうしたの？
un, doushita no?
Yes, what's up?
大翔 Hiroto

少しチャットしたいんだけど。
sukoshi chatto shitai ndakedo.
I want to chat for a bit.
陽葵 Himari

いいよ。メッセージしてね。
ii yo. messeeji shite ne.
Sure. Send me a message.

Sources

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