The 'You-Know-What' Trick: Unlocking「例のあれ」for Insiders' Japanese 🤫

If you've lived in Japan long enough, you've witnessed a peculiar magic: Japanese people sometimes communicate without saying anything specific. They might gesture vaguely and say "that thing," and the other person will nod enthusiastically as if they've received a detailed report. If you've ever seen this moment of "telepathy," you've likely encountered the final boss of implicit understanding: 「例のあれ」(Rei no are).

This isn't vocabulary you'll easily find in a textbook. This is the language of people who have shared experiences, a common context, or a secret. Mastering it means you're not just speaking better Japanese; you're truly becoming part of this subtle, implicit communication game.

What Exactly is「例のあれ」? 🤔

Let's break down the phrase:

• 例 (rei): This kanji means "example," but in this context, it takes on the nuance of "the usual," "the one in question," or "the previously mentioned." It’s like a verbal wink, implying "the one you and I both know about."
• の (no): The possessive particle, connecting the two.
• あれ (are): "That thing over there."

When combined, 「例のあれ」 is much more than just "that thing." It carries a deeper meaning: "That thing/matter that we both know what it is." It's a password, a conversational shortcut reserved only for those "in the know."

The Invisible Power of 'You-Know-What' 🚀

Why is such a vague phrase used so often? Because it offers tremendous benefits:

1. Creates a Sense of Exclusivity & Intimacy: When someone uses「例のあれ」with you, they are implicitly confirming, "You and I are on the same team; we share a secret/experience." This instantly builds an invisible circle of connection, making you feel like an insider.

2. Optimizes Communication: Instead of a lengthy explanation like, "You know, that project that Manager Tanaka got angry about with the accounting department last week..." you can simply say: 「例の件、どうなった？」 (Rei no ken, dou natta? - How's that matter going?). It's fast and efficient.

3. Ensures Confidentiality (Avoids Eavesdroppers): This is its most potent use, especially in an office setting. When you don't want outsiders to know what you're discussing, 「例のあれ」is the ultimate weapon. It's vague enough for outsiders but perfectly clear for the intended recipient.

Golden Scenarios to Use「例のあれ」

Let's see how native speakers use it in daily life:

• At the office: 🏢

  A: 「例の件、進捗どう？」 (Rei no ken, shinchoku dou?) (How's the progress on that matter?) B: 「それが、まだ例の部署から返事がなくて…」 (Sore ga, mada rei no busho kara henji ga nakute…) (Well, I still haven't heard back from that department...) Here, both "that matter" and "that department" are things both speakers implicitly understand from prior conversations.

• With friends: 🍻

  A: 「週末、例の店、予約したよ！」 (Shuumatsu, rei no mise, yoyaku shita yo!) (I made a reservation at our usual spot for this weekend!) B: 「お、サンキュー！じゃあ、例の時間に集合で！」 (O, sankyuu! Jaa, rei no jikan ni shuugou de!) (Oh, thanks! Let's meet up at the usual time then!) "Our usual spot" and "the usual time" don't need to be explicitly named.

• In the family: 🏡

  「ねえ、例のあれ、どこ？」 (Nee, rei no are, doko?) (Hey, where's that thingamajig?) "That thingamajig" could be the TV remote, the special scissors, or any object the whole family knows is unique and often sought after.

The Key to Not Sounding Lost 🔑

The most critical rule for using「例のあれ」is that you must be 100% certain your listener shares the same context. If you use it with someone who has no idea what you're talking about, they will just stare at you with a (・・? expression.

It's like telling an inside joke to a stranger—completely ineffective and potentially awkward.

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In conclusion, 「例のあれ」is one of the most subtle spices in Japanese conversation. It's not just about words; it's about acknowledging a bond, a shared history between two people. Next time you and a coworker survive a turbulent project together, try asking them, 「例の件、大変でしたね。」(That whole affair was tough, wasn't it?). You'll see a spark of deep empathy and understanding in their eyes. 😉