また来てね
mata kite ne
The English phrase "come back soon" is translated into Japanese as また来てね (mata kite ne).
また来てね is a friendly way to tell someone you would like them to visit again in the future. It is used primarily between friends, family or in very casual social settings to express a desire for a repeat visit.
What does it mean word for word?
The word また literally means "again".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
また来てね is casual. For a more polite or formal setting, such as a shop clerk speaking to a customer, use また来てください.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the particle ね to the polite form また来てください to make it sound warmer and more inviting, resulting in また来てくださいね, which means "Please come again, okay?"
How do you pronounce it?
mata kite ne
Did you know?
- While また来てください is standard, a host at a traditional Japanese inn would use the verb お越しください instead. This specific verb is used to elevate the guest's action of 'coming' to a higher level of respect.
- In a professional setting, Japanese clerks often omit the phrase 'come back soon' entirely and say ありがとうございました 'thank you very much' instead. The invitation to return is understood as an implicit part of the gratitude.
- The word また is the foundation for the common goodbye またね, which translates to 'see you' or 'see you later'. In this shorter form, the verb for 'come' or 'meet' is completely omitted.
Examples in context
- 今日はお疲れ様。また来てね。Kyou wa otsukaresama. Mata kite ne.Good work today. Come back soon.
Example conversation
Himari is seeing Daigaku off at the door after a visit.
- 陽葵 Himari今日はありがとう。Kyou wa arigatou.Thank you for today.
- 大翔 Hirotoこちらこそ、楽しかったよ。Kochira koso, tanoshikatta yo.Same here, I had a great time.
- 陽葵 Himariまた来てね。Mata kite ne.Come back soon.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、ぜひまた来るよ。Un, zehi mata kuru yo.Yeah, I'll definitely come again.
