連絡を取り合う
renraku o toriau
The English phrase 'keep in touch' is expressed in Japanese as 連絡を取り合う (renraku o toriau).
This phrase is used to describe the act of continuing to communicate with someone over time by sending messages or calling them. While 連絡を取り合う describes the general concept of maintaining communication, you might also use the informal phrase 連絡してね to say 'Contact me, okay?', また連絡して to suggest 'Get in touch with me again' or 近況聞かせてね to tell a close friend 'Keep me updated'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 連絡 (renraku), meaning 'contact' or 'communication' and 取り合う (toriau), a compound verb meaning 'to exchange' or 'to do with each other'. Literally, it means 'to exchange contact/communication'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 連絡を取り合う is neutral and standard. For a more casual way to say 'Let's keep in touch' among friends, you can use 連絡を取り合おうね.
How does it change in a sentence?
To suggest the idea of 'Let's keep in touch' politely, you can use the volitional form 連絡を取り合いましょう (renraku o toriaimashō).
How do you pronounce it?
renraku o toriau
Did you know?
- While 連絡を取り合う is used for keeping in touch, Japanese has a specific word 縁 (en) to describe the mysterious 'fate' or 'invisible thread' that connects two people who maintain a relationship.
- In the era of smartphones, Japanese youth often replace the formal 連絡を取り合う with the verb LINEする (line suru), turning the name of the app 'LINE' into a verb for any form of keeping in touch.
- The verb 取り合う can actually mean 'to fight over' or 'to contend for' in other situations, such as 'fighting over a prize'. Its use in 'keep in touch' is a much more harmonious and collaborative application.
Examples in context
- 連絡を取り合いましょう。Let's keep in touch.
- 連絡してね。Keep in touch, okay?
- また連絡して。Let's keep in touch again.
- 近況聞かせてね。Keep me updated on how things are going.
