Casual expressions are used between friends and close colleagues, or to address people younger than yourself. The advantages of using these expressions is that it makes it easier to express one’s feelings succinctly. Standard polite conversation seen in textbooks: /Casual expressions used in conversation with a friend: A: Shall we go to a movie tomorrow? B: That would be nice. Let’s go. A: Well then, shall we meet at Shinjuku Station at 5:00? B: Fine, see you tomorrow. When Japanese ask a question, they often use question phrases like “Ikimasen ka” or “Ikanai?” When making an inquiry, there are other casual expressions for “iku” (go). Ikou ka: Proposing that you go with the expectation of (your interlocutor’s) consent. Ikou yo: Emphasizes your desire to go with the expectation of (your interlocutor’s) consent. Ikou ze: A male phrase (also used by young women recently). This creates the impression that you’re asking for (your interlocutor’s) consent. Ikeru?: Becomes a question with a raised intonation at the end of the sentence. This creates the impression that you are considering the needs of the other person. Ikanai?: The negative phrase becomes a question with a raised intonation at the end of the sentence. This creates the impression that you are considering the needs of the other person or that you anticipate receiving a negative reply. Iku yone: Confirming your belief that the person is going.