How to Say “Add Me on Line” in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways

If you’re looking to connect with Japanese speakers on the popular messaging app, Line, knowing how to ask someone to add you can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express the phrase “add me on Line” in Japanese. We will also provide tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations that may exist. So let’s get started!

1. Formal Way

When communicating in a formal setting or with people that you don’t know well, it’s important to use polite language. Here is the formal way to ask someone to add you on Line:

“Line ni tsuika shite kudasai.” – ラインに追加してください。

The above phrase is a polite way to ask someone to add you on Line. It can be used in formal settings, business contexts, or when talking to older individuals or those in higher positions. Let’s break down the phrase:

• “Line ni”: This means “on Line” in Japanese. “Ni” is a particle used to indicate a location or direction.
• “Tsuika shite”: This phrase means “add me” or “add (someone/something).” The word “tsuika” means “add” and “shite” is the te-form of the verb “suru” (to do).
• “Kudasai”: This is a polite request form in Japanese and translates to “please” in English.

Putting it all together, “Line ni tsuika shite kudasai” translates to “Please add me on Line” in English. Now let’s move on to the informal way of expressing the same phrase.

2. Informal Way

When speaking with friends, peers, or people you are comfortable with, you can use informal language. Here is the informal way to ask someone to add you on Line:

“Line ni tsuika shite” – ラインに追加して

In the informal version, we omit the polite ending “kudasai.” This makes the request less formal and better suited for casual conversations or personal connections. Again, let’s break down the phrase:

• “Line ni”: Same as in the formal way, this means “on Line” in Japanese.
• “Tsuika shite”: This part is also the same as in the formal version and means “add me” or “add (someone/something).”

So, “Line ni tsuika shite” simply means “Add me on Line” in English.

3. Regional Variations

Japanese is spoken in different regions, and there may be variations in how people express certain phrases. However, when it comes to asking someone to add you on Line, there are no significant regional variations. The formal and informal ways mentioned above are widely used throughout Japan and understood by Japanese speakers across the country.

Final Tips

1. Polite Particles

In Japanese, particles play an important role in sentence structure. When forming the phrase “add me on Line,” the particle “ni” is used to indicate that the action of adding is happening on Line. Similarly, the particle “wo” can be used instead of “ni” to indicate the target of the action. However, when asking someone to add you on Line, “ni” is the more appropriate particle to use.

2. Tone and Context

While the phrases provided above are generally polite or informal, it’s essential to consider the overall tone and context of your conversation. If you are in a very formal context, such as a business meeting, it may be better to use the formal phrase even if you are talking to a peer. On the other hand, if you’re chatting with a close friend, you can make the request even more casual by using appropriate non-verbal cues like smileys or emojis.

3. Alternative Expressions

Apart from the direct phrase “add me on Line,” there are alternative expressions you can use to convey the same meaning. For example, you can say “Line kakeru?” (Do you have Line?) and wait for the person to offer their Line ID. In this case, you can comfortably add them once you have their Line ID without explicitly asking.

With these phrases, you can confidently ask someone to add you on Line in both formal and informal settings. Remember to adapt your language and tone based on the context and relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. Enjoy connecting with Japanese speakers on Line!