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🇯🇵ap japanese language and culture review

High-context culture (察し, sasshi) in AP Japanese Language and Culture

Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Fiveable Content Team

Definition

Japan is often described as a high-context culture: speakers rely on shared context, tone and implication more than explicit words. Listeners are expected to infer meaning (察し, sasshi), which is why indirect refusals such as ちょっと… (chotto…, "it's a little…") or 考えておきます (kangaete okimasu, "I'll think about it") usually mean no.

This definition is part of Fiveable's AP Japanese Language and Culture review, which also has guided practice questions.

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