また今度
mata kondo
In Japanese, "another time" is expressed as また今度 (mata kondo).
The phrase is used to suggest doing something on a different occasion in the future.
Which one should you use?
While また今度 is used for casual suggestions of doing something next time, more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. Use またの機会に to mean "on another occasion" or "at another opportunity," and use 後日 to indicate "another day" or "later."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
また今度 is an informal way to say "next time" or "another time" and is suited for casual settings. For formal or business situations, you should use またの機会に instead. Additionally, if you are speaking with friends, you might use the informal expression またね to say "see you again" or "till next time."
How do you pronounce it?
mata kondo
Did you know?
- Using また今度 to decline a social invitation can often function as a polite, non-committal way to say 'no' without being direct. In Japanese culture, a literal 'next time' is frequently a social buffer to avoid the awkwardness of a direct refusal.
- The word 今度 (kondo) in this phrase is a linguistic paradox. While it literally means 'this time' or 'this turn', in the context of また今度, it refers to a future occasion that is not yet specified.
- The phrase is often accompanied by a subtle, apologetic tilt of the head or a small wave of the hand in front of the face to signal a soft refusal. This non-verbal cue reinforces the 'polite' nature of the 'another time' suggestion.
Examples in context
- また今度誘って。Invite me again another time.
- 今日は忙しいから、また今度。Kyō wa isogashii kara, mata kondo.I'm busy today, so another time.
- また今度、ゆっくり話しましょう。Mata kondo, yukkuri hanashimashō.Let's talk more properly another time.
- また今度、遊びに行こうね。Mata kondo, asobi ni ikō ne.Let's go out playing another time.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about going to a cafe, but one is too tired.
- 陽葵 Himariカフェに行かない？Kafe ni ikanai?Do you want to go to a cafe?
- 陽太 Yotaごめん、今日は眠いから、また今度。Gomen, kyō wa nemui kara, mata kondo.Sorry, I'm sleepy today, so another time.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった、ゆっくり休んでね。Wakatta, yukkuri yasunde ne.I understand, get some good rest.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵。Arigatō, Himari.Thank you, Himari.
