また会えて嬉しいです
mata aete ureshii desu
The English phrase "good to see you again" is expressed in Japanese as また会えて嬉しいです (mata aete ureshii desu).
This phrase is a friendly expression used to tell someone you are happy to meet them again after some time. Unlike the English "Good to see you," which can serve as a greeting upon arrival, this Japanese phrase focuses more on the emotional state of being happy about the reunion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "Again (mata) being able to meet (aete) [I am] happy (ureshii desu)."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite version is また会えて嬉しいです, where the use of desu at the end makes it a standard way to express the sentiment to acquaintances or colleagues. An informal version is また会えて嬉しい, which is created by dropping the desu and is suitable for close friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
mata aete ureshii desu
Did you know?
- In highly formal Japanese settings, instead of saying they are 'happy' 嬉しい, a person might use the word 光栄 meaning 'honor'. This shifts the sentiment from a personal feeling of joy to a statement of social prestige.
- The verb 会う (au), meaning 'to meet', is used specifically for people. If you were happy to see a place or an object again, you would use a completely different verb, such as 見る (miru) or 見かける (mikakeru).
- Japanese has several words for 'happy', and 嬉しい is specifically for a temporary, external trigger like meeting a friend. It is distinct from 幸せ, which describes a deep, long-term state of well-being or contentment.
Examples in context
- 久しぶりですね、また会えて嬉しいです。Hisashiburi desu ne, mata aete ureshii desu.It's been a long time, I'm happy to see you again.
- 元気でしたか？また会えて嬉しいです。Genki deshita ka? Mata aete ureshii desu.Have you been well? It's good to see you again.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari meet at a local cafe after several months.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さん、久しぶり！また会えて嬉しいです。Himari-san, hisashiburi! Mata aete ureshii desu.Himari, it's been a while! I'm happy to see you again.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、お久しぶりです。私もまた会えて嬉しいです。Ren-san, ohisashiburi desu. Watashi mo mata aete ureshii desu.Ren, long time no see. I am also happy to see you again.
- 蓮 Ren最近はどうしていましたか？Saikin wa dou shite imashita ka?How have you been lately?
- 陽葵 Himari仕事が少し忙しかったですが、元気ですよ。Shigoto ga sukoshi isogashikatta desu ga, genki desu yo.Work has been a bit busy, but I am doing well.
