Try Using LINE's New "AI Talk Suggest" Feature to Study Japanese
For when you are struggling to find just the right way to convey something or simply want to get on with it.
What’s new: A few days ago1, LINE, Japan's most popular messaging app, similar to WhatsApp, rolled out a new service called "LINE AI Talk Suggest" (LINE AIトークサジェスト), which uses generative AI to help users create messages when they are busy or having trouble replying. It works in Japanese, English, and many other languages.
Why it matters: With LINE AI Talk Suggest, you can save time and effort typing while still communicating quickly and appropriately (theoretically). It automatically proposes frequently used phrases and natural expressions. Even if you're not good at typing on a smartphone or are in a busy situation, you can reply with just one tap. It helps prevent rudeness or misunderstandings by selecting polite expressions suited to the person or situation. With multilingual support, it's useful for international communication, making it convenient for everything from daily life to business.
How it works: Using LINE AI Talk Suggest is simple.
Update to the latest LINE app: The feature is included in the new app version, so first make sure you have the latest update.
Enable the feature in Settings: You can enable it in the LINE app: [Home] → [Settings] → [Chat] → [AI Talk Suggest].
See auto-suggestions in chat: When you receive a message, AI-generated reply suggestions appear above the input field. Example: If someone sends “Thank you” → Suggestions like “You're welcome!” or “Thank you 😊” appear.
Tap to send instantly: Tap a suggested reply to send it immediately. You can also edit suggestions before sending if needed.
Go deeper: The LINE AI Talk Suggest feature provides suggestions for polite language, including formal expressions such as honorific phrases and keigo (敬語), a Japanese term for polite speech. Possible applications include the following:
Replies to superiors or clients: Suggests “I understand” instead of “Got it.”
Polite requests or confirmations: “Did you see it?” → “Have you had a chance to review it?”
Expressions of thanks or greetings: “Thanks!” → “Thank you,” “Thank you very much.”
While such applications may not be all that practical and are simply available for fun, LINE AI Talk Suggest also features suggested language in “cat talk” (猫語) and “samurai language” or (侍語) that will show up alongside “standard,” “polite,” and “casual” options.
Example: Cat Language 🐾 (This feature may only be useful for communicating in Japanese. I can't think of a situation in which I would use it, though. Sorry, but I'm not a cat person.)
“Thank you” → “Thanks, meow”
“Understood” → “Got it, meow”
“Tired” → “So tired, meow~”
Example: Samurai Language ⚔️
“Thank you very much” → “I am deeply grateful, sir.”
“Understood” → “I acknowledge, sir.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting” → “I apologize for the long wait.”
The catch: LINE AI Talk Suggest is free and can be used up to three times per day without incurring an extra cost. If you want to use it more often, LINE offers two additional pricing options.
LYP Premium Membership: Up to 10 uses per day2
LINE AI Unlimited Service Plan Membership: Unlimited access3
Without a premium membership, it certainly does not take long to reach one’s daily limit. With only three free attempts, I feel like I've been bait-and-switched.
Commentary: After signing the legal disclaimer, I tried LINE AI Talk Suggest in both Japanese and English. It quickly scanned the related thread and suggested a few relevant responses. Playing around with the different levels of Japanese honorifics is kind of fun and useful for any student of Japanese. It is certainly easier than copying and pasting from another app, such as ChatGPT. However, it is unclear whether LINE AI's version of keigo, or formal Japanese, is completely accurate.
I have a few other reservations about using this service, as well.
Concerns about privacy: It does seem kind of creepy that AI is reading my conversations. Thus, while this is always a good general rule to follow, it’s important not to share confidential information online.
Fear of coming across as unnatural: Writing is very personal. I would be worried that whoever receives an AI-generated response might think I didn't actually write a particular message. I could come across as unnatural.
Maybe I'm too old-fashioned and cheap, but I don't see the value in paying for this service. I may only use it up to three times per day going forward.
What do you think? Have you tried LINE AI Talk Suggest?
All responses to this quick poll are completely anonymous, even to the author.
#RealGaijin #LINEAITalkAssist #LINE #LINEAIトークサジェスト #LINEヤフー株式会社 #リアル外人
Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.
However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin
In addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:
Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/month
Bamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)
Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/month
In Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”
For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for "pine" is "matsu." In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is "take," but the on-yomi is "chiku." Similarly, the word for plum is "ume," but the on-yomi is "bai."
No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.
While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).
https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/
https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack
https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin
https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/
LINE began testing this new feature with a limited number of users in mid-April 2025. With the release of LINE app version 15.14.0 on August 28, 2025, the feature is now available to all users who meet the legal criteria (e.g., users must be over the age of 13).
A LYP Premium Membership costs 508 yen (US $3.44) per month when purchased via Yahoo Wallet, or 650 yen ($4.40) per month when purchased via the ecommerce site on the LINE app.
The LINE AI Unlimited Service Plan membership costs 750 yen (US $5.08) per month.
Hmm... interesting. Could be useful if you're in a hurry and just need to reply quickly and politely. But as you say, I wouldn't want to respond sounding like AI. The "cat talk" and "samurai language" options seem fun though 😸⚔️
I share your reservations but would happily try it if I was not on the U.S. version of Line! Or is it actually available there and I’m missing it…?