22 Japanese ways to say “Speaking of which”

When you’re chatting in Japanese, smoothly shifting topics is a handy skill. “Speaking of which” is one of those phrases that helps you connect ideas naturally.

It’s like a little bridge in conversation, reminding your listener that you’re still on the same line of thought but moving it forward.

Japanese has a lot of ways to express this, depending on the situation and how casual or formal you want to sound.

Whether you’re hanging out with friends or in a polite meeting, knowing these phrases makes you sound more natural and confident.

Plus, it’s fun to discover how language reflects culture in these subtle ways.

Ready to add some Japanese flavor to your conversations? Let’s dive into 22 ways to say “Speaking of which” in Japanese!

Understanding the Basics

First up, it’s good to know that “Speaking of which” in Japanese often involves words meaning “that thing,” “by the way,” or “now that you mention it.”

These phrases help you smoothly bring up a related topic or remind someone of something connected to what you just said.

Some are casual, some polite, and others are very natural or native-like expressions.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These expressions help keep conversations lively and connected.

Once you get comfortable with a few, you’ll find it easier to keep your Japanese chats flowing smoothly.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. ところで (Tokoro de) – “By the way”

“Tokoro de” is probably the most common casual way to say “Speaking of which.”

It literally means “at (this) place,” but is used like “by the way” to change topics or bring up something related.

It’s super useful in everyday chat because it feels natural and easy to slip in.

Just say it when you want to introduce something connected to what you were just talking about.

This phrase works well whether you’re switching to a new topic or circling back to something.

Try it out next time you want to add a little twist in your conversation!

2. そういえば (Sou ieba) – “Now that you mention it”

“Sou ieba” is great for when something just reminded you of another topic.

It breaks down as “sou” (that way) and “ieba” (if you say), so it’s like “if you say that…” or “speaking of that…”

It’s perfect for casual conversations where you want to connect ideas smoothly.

Use it when you suddenly remember or realize something related.

It also often triggers storytelling or a new detail in chat.

Keep an ear out for native speakers using it—it’s everywhere!

3. ちなみに (Chinami ni) – “Incidentally” or “By the way”

“Chinami ni” is a little more pointed and often used to add extra info that relates to the topic.

The word means “incidentally,” which feels like a natural way to say “Speaking of which” when adding a fact.

It’s casual but can also be used in polite contexts depending on tone.

Use it when you want to give an interesting side note or detail.

It’s a neat phrase to make your conversation richer.

Try pairing it with facts or little tips related to your discussion!

4. それで思い出したけど (Sore de omoidashita kedo) – “That reminds me”

This phrase literally means “Because of that, I remembered, but…” and works perfectly as a “Speaking of which.”

It’s casual and conversational, often used when a topic triggers a memory.

It’s a bit longer but very natural for storytelling or bringing up related memories.

Use it to smoothly introduce a personal anecdote or past experience.

It’s a great tool to keep conversations warm and engaging.

Give it a try to make your chats feel more connected!

5. それはそうと (Sore wa sou to) – “Anyway” or “Speaking of that”

“Sore wa sou to” translates roughly as “That being so,” used to smoothly shift topics.

It’s casual but polite enough for many situations.

This phrase is like a soft reset in conversation, helping you switch gears.

It’s useful when you want to bring up something connected but different.

It’s a subtle way to say “Speaking of which” without being too direct.

Practice it to sound like a pro at conversation flow!

6. 話は変わるけど (Hanashi wa kawaru kedo) – “Changing the subject”

Literally “The story changes, but…,” this phrase signals a clear topic change.

It’s casual and a direct way to say “Speaking of which” when switching subjects.

Use it when you want to let your listener know the conversation is shifting.

It’s a bit more explicit than other phrases, so good for clarity.

Great for conversations where you want to be clear and polite.

Try it to confidently steer your chats!

7. ～と言えば (…to ieba) – “Speaking of…”

This phrase means “if you say (this)…” and is a very natural way to say “Speaking of which.”

It’s used to connect what you just said with a related topic or fact.

Common in daily conversations and useful for linking ideas.

It’s easy to use by just adding the noun/topic before “to ieba.”

For example, “猫と言えば…” (“Speaking of cats…”).

Once you get the hang of it, it’s super handy for smooth chats!

8. それにしても (Sore ni shitemo) – “Even so” / “Speaking of that”

While often translated as “even so,” this phrase is used to return to or emphasize a topic.

It’s a little more formal but still common in conversations.

It works well as a pivot phrase, like “Speaking of that…” when reinforcing a point.

Use it when you want to highlight or reflect on the topic again.

It adds a thoughtful tone to your speech.

Try it to sound more nuanced and natural!

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. さて (Sate) – “Well then” / “Speaking of which”

“Sate” is a polite and formal way to smoothly transition in conversation or presentations.

It’s often used to bring up a related topic or move the discussion forward.

It feels natural in business or formal contexts.

Think of it as “Well then,” a gentle way to shift gears politely.

It’s a phrase you’ll hear in speeches and meetings.

Use it to sound polished and respectful when changing topics.

10. それに関しては (Sore ni kanshite wa) – “Regarding that”

This phrase means “as for that” or “regarding that,” perfect for formal discussions.

It’s a bit longer but great for signaling a topic shift politely.

Use it when you want to address a related issue carefully.

It sounds professional and thoughtful.

Good for emails, presentations, or serious talks.

Mastering it helps you navigate formal Japanese smoothly.

11. ～に関して言えば (…ni kanshite ieba) – “Speaking regarding…”

This phrase means “if I talk about (topic),” used to formally bring up a related subject.

It’s helpful when you want to be precise and polite.

Good for essays, reports, or formal conversation.

Try saying “環境問題に関して言えば…” (“Speaking regarding environmental issues…”).

This structure helps you sound knowledgeable and clear.

Great for academic or professional settings!

12. ところでございますが (Tokoro de gozaimasu ga) – Very polite “By the way”

This is a super polite and formal version of “tokoro de,” often used in business or customer service.

The “gozaimasu” adds respectful tone, making it perfect for formal speech.

It’s less common in casual chat but essential in formal environments.

Use it to politely introduce a new topic or side note.

It shows respect and professionalism.

Practice it if you want to shine in formal Japanese communication.

13. さておき (Sate oki) – “Putting that aside”

“Sate oki” literally means “setting that aside,” a formal way to change topics.

It’s good when you want to acknowledge a topic but move on politely.

Often used in speeches or formal discussions.

It signals a smooth transition without ignoring the previous subject.

Use it when you want to be respectful but clear about shifting focus.

It’s a classy phrase to have in your formal Japanese toolkit.

14. それについてですが (Sore ni tsuite desu ga) – “About that”

“Sore ni tsuite desu ga” means “about that,” used for polite topic reference.

It’s versatile for formal or semi-formal conversations.

Use it to bring up a related point or introduce clarification.

The phrase helps you sound respectful and clear.

Try it in meetings or structured discussions.

It’s a smooth way to stay connected with your topic.

15. 話を戻しますが (Hanashi o modoshimasu ga) – “To get back to the topic”

Used to bring the conversation back on track, literally “I’ll return the story, but…”

It’s polite and helpful for formal settings to steer dialogue.

Great for presentations or professional discussions.

It shows control and awareness in conversation flow.

Use it when the topic has drifted and you want to refocus.

This phrase helps you sound organized and respectful.

16. それでは話を変えますが (Sore dewa hanashi o kaemasu ga) – “Well then, changing the topic”

This phrase politely announces a topic change in formal contexts.

It literally means “Well then, I will change the story, but…”

It’s useful in meetings and professional conversations.

Use it to transition smoothly without sounding abrupt.

It’s a respectful way to guide your listeners.

Perfect for situations where smooth communication is key.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. さっきの話だけど (Sakki no hanashi dakedo) – “About what we just said”

This very casual phrase means “About that earlier talk…”

It’s great for informal conversations with friends or family.

It brings back a previous topic naturally.

Use it when you want to remind or add something to what was just said.

It’s commonly used in everyday chat.

Try it to sound like a native speaker hanging out casually!

18. それな (Sore na) – “Exactly that” / “Speaking of which”

“Sore na” is a very casual slang-like phrase meaning “That’s it” or “Exactly.”

It’s often used to agree but can also segue topics.

It’s popular among younger people and in informal settings.

Use it to affirm and then bring up something related.

It feels very natural and native-like.

Perfect for relaxed, friendly conversations.

19. それでさ (Sore de sa) – “So then” / “Speaking of which”

“Sore de sa” is a casual phrase often used to continue or shift a story.

It’s like saying “So then” or “Speaking of which” in an easygoing way.

Common in storytelling among friends.

Use it when you want to lead into the next part of your chat.

It’s very natural and spontaneous.

Great to use when you want a smooth flow in casual speech.

20. ちなみにさ (Chinami ni sa) – “By the way” (casual, friendly)

This is a casual, friendly twist on “chinami ni,” adding “sa” for a laid-back feel.

It’s perfect for informal chats with people you know well.

Use it to add side info or relate topics comfortably.

It gives a warm, conversational vibe.

Try it to sound playful and natural among friends.

A great phrase to keep conversations light and engaging!

21. でさ (De sa) – “So then” / “Speaking of which”

“De sa” is an ultra-casual phrase used to link what you just said to the next topic.

It’s very common in spoken Japanese among close friends.

It’s short and punchy, great for fast conversation.

Use it to keep the flow going without formalities.

It’s a hallmark of natural, native speech.

Perfect for casual, everyday chat.

22. あのさ (Ano sa) – “Hey, about that” / “Speaking of which”

“Ano sa” is a casual attention-getting phrase, like “Hey, about that…”

It’s often used before bringing up a related topic or question.

Very common in informal, friendly conversation.

Use it to gently start a new point or remind someone.

It’s very natural and approachable.

Great for sounding warm and conversational with friends!

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 ways to say “Speaking of which” in Japanese shows you just how rich and varied the language is.

Each phrase has its own nuance and perfect context, letting you sound more natural and connected in your conversations.

So keep practicing these expressions—you’ll find your Japanese becoming smoother, friendlier, and more fun with every chat!