楽しんできてね
Tanoshinde kite ne
To say "have a great time" in Japanese, use 楽しんできてね (Tanoshinde kite ne).
This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment before they go to an event or activity. The inclusion of kite (come) implies that the person is leaving for an activity and will eventually return, which is why it is the standard way to say 'have a great time' when someone is departing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the te-form of the verb tanoshimu (to enjoy), the verb kuru (to come) and the particle ne (sentence-ending particle for agreement/softness).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite version suitable for superiors or people you are not close to, you can use 楽しんできてください. If you want to be informal, you can simply say 楽しんでね to mean "Have fun!" In formal settings, you might also use Tanoshii jikan o sugosu to ii desu ne to say "I hope you have a great time," or Yoi yoru o sugoshite kudasai to say "Please have a good evening."
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the final particle ne makes the phrase a more direct instruction or request rather than a friendly wish.
How do you pronounce it?
Tanoshinde kite ne
Did you know?
- If you are the one being told tanoshinde kite ne, a common response is to promise to bring back a souvenir, known as omiyage.
- While tanoshinde kite ne is used for an event, if someone is leaving for a trip, Japanese speakers more commonly use itte rasshai, which literally means 'go and come back'.
- If you use the phrase 楽しんでね with a teacher or a boss, it can sound patronizing, as if you are giving them permission to have fun.
Examples in context
- 旅行、楽しんできてね。Ryoko, tanoshindekite ne.Have a great time on your trip.
- コンサート、楽しんできてね！Konsaato, tanoshindekite ne!Have a great time at the concert!
- パーティー、楽しんできてね。Paatii, tanoshindekite ne.Have a great time at the party.
Example conversation
At a train station, a man is seeing a woman off for a weekend trip.
- 大翔 Hiroto駅まで送るよ。Eki made okuru yo.I will see you to the station.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、大翔さん。Arigatou, Hiroto-san.Thank you, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto週末、楽しんできてね。Shuumatsu, tanoshindekite ne.Have a great time this weekend.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、行ってくるね！Un, itte kuru ne!Yeah, I'm off!
