Welcome to this guide on how to say “come again” in Japanese! Whether you’re visiting Japan or simply exploring the Japanese language, knowing how to express this phrase will help you navigate various situations with grace and politeness. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying “come again” in Japanese, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Come Again” in Japanese
In formal situations, such as when speaking to someone of higher status or in a professional setting, it’s important to use appropriate language to show respect. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. もう一度いらっしゃってください。(Mō ichido irasshatte kudasai.)
This formal phrase translates to “Please come again.” It’s commonly used in stores, restaurants, and other service-oriented establishments.
Example: When leaving a restaurant, you can express your gratitude and request the person to visit again by saying, “ごちそうさまでした。もう一度いらっしゃってください。(Gochisōsama deshita. Mō ichido irasshatte kudasai.)”
2. またのお越しをお待ちしております。(Mata no o-koshi wo omachi shite orimasu.)
This formal phrase means “We look forward to your next visit.” It conveys respect and gratitude towards the person you’re addressing.
Example: After completing a business meeting, you can politely express your anticipation for their next visit by saying, “今日はありがとうございました。またのお越しをお待ちしております。(Kyō wa arigatō gozaimashita. Mata no o-koshi wo omachi shite orimasu.)”
Informal Ways to Say “Come Again” in Japanese
In casual or informal settings, using polite language to express “come again” might sound too formal or distant. Below are some informal phrases you can use when interacting with friends, family, or acquaintances:
1. もう一度来てね。(Mō ichido kite ne.)
This informal phrase simply means “Come again.” It’s friendly and suitable for use among peers or when addressing someone you are familiar with.
Example: After having a great time at a friend’s house, you can say, “楽しかった！もう一度来てね。(Tanoshikatta! Mō ichido kite ne.)”
2. また来てくださいね。(Mata kite kudasai ne.)
This informal phrase is equivalent to “Please come again.” It maintains a friendly tone while still showing politeness.
Example: When saying goodbye to a neighbor who visited your house, you can say, “今日はいらっしゃってありがとうございました。また来てくださいね。(Kyō wa irasshatte arigatō gozaimashita. Mata kite kudasai ne.)”
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood across Japan, there may be slight variations in different regions. Here’s an example of a regional variation:
1. もう一度お越しください。(Mō ichido o-koshi kudasai.)
This variation is commonly used in the Kansai region (which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto) and maintains a similar meaning to “Please come again.”
Example: In Osaka, a store employee may bid you farewell, saying, “ありがとうございました。もう一度お越しください。(Arigatō gozaimashita. Mō ichido o-koshi kudasai.)”
Remember, when in doubt, it’s always safer to use the more formal phrases mentioned earlier, as they apply universally within Japan.
Conclusion
In this guide, we explored both formal and informal ways to say “come again” in Japanese. We provided you with various examples and even touched on regional variations. Whether you’re using Japanese in a professional or casual setting, being aware of these phrases will help you navigate social interactions in a polite and respectful manner. Practice these expressions, and you’ll impress locals with your grasp of the language and cultural etiquette!
We hope this guide has been helpful to you. よい旅を! (Yoi tabi wo!) Have a great journey!
