すごく会いたい
sugoku aitai
In Japanese, "I really miss you" is expressed as すごく会いたい (sugoku aitai).
すごく会いたい is used to tell someone that you strongly desire to see them again. This phrase is typically used in romantic or very close personal contexts. It is not used for casual acquaintances or in professional settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sugoku (very/greatly) and aitai (the desire-form of au, meaning to meet/see).
Which one should you use?
While English uses "miss" to express longing, Japanese uses the desire-form of the verb "to meet" (aitai) to convey the same sentiment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding desu to the end of the phrase to make it すごく会いたいです makes the expression more polite and suitable for someone you are not on intimate terms with. For very formal situations, you might use 本当にお目にかかりたいです to say "I genuinely want to see you."
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you missed someone in the past tense, change the ending to the past tense form 会いたかった.
How do you pronounce it?
sugoku aitai
Did you know?
- The formal version お目にかかりたい uses 目 ('eye'), literally suggesting the desire for one's eyes to be graced by the sight of the other person.
- In Japanese culture, explicitly stating 会いたい is often considered very bold or emotionally heavy, so people may imply this feeling by asking about the other person's schedule instead.
- The adverb すごく is a colloquial shortening of 凄く, which originally referred to something being 'tremendous' or 'terrifying' in scale.
Examples in context
- 彼氏に会いたくてさ、待ちきれない。I really miss my boyfriend and can't wait to see him.
- おじいちゃん、会いたいよ。Grandpa, I really want to see you.
- すごく会いたい。Sugoku aitai.I really miss you.
- 今、すごく会いたいです。Ima, sugoku aitai desu.I really want to see you right now.
Example conversation
A couple talking on the phone late at night.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、すごく会いたいよ。Himari, sugoku aitai yo.Himari, I really miss you.
- 陽葵 Himari私も、陽太にすごく会いたい。Watashi mo, Youta ni sugoku aitai.I miss you so much too, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota明日、会えるかな？Ashita, aeru kana?I wonder if we can meet tomorrow?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、絶対に会おうね。Un, zettai ni aou ne.Yes, let's definitely see each other.
