If you find yourself in a situation where you want to express an “I told you so” sentiment in Japanese, you’re in the right place. Whether you need to communicate this in a formal or informal setting, this guide will equip you with the necessary phrases and variations to effectively convey your message. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Told You So” in Japanese
In formal situations, it’s essential to maintain a polite tone. Here are a few variations of “I told you so” that are appropriate for formal conversations:
1. ご指摘通り (go-shi-choku-to-ori)
This phrase translates to “As you pointed out” and can be used when you want to remind someone that you previously provided them with correct advice or foresight.
Example: A: この案件は大変な困難を伴います。 (Kono anken wa taihen na konnan o tomonai masu.)
B: ご指摘通り、予想以上にハードな仕事でした。 (Go-shi-choku-to-ori, yosou ijou ni haado na shigoto deshita.)
A: As you pointed out, this project turned out to be more challenging than expected.
2. 以前お伝えしたように (izen o tsutaeshita youni)
Meaning “As I previously mentioned,” this expression allows you to subtly hint that you had already provided the information in question.
Example: A: この株価の下落は一時的なものです。 (Kono kabuka no geraku wa ichijiteki na mono desu.)
B: 以前お伝えしたように、長期的な視点で考えるべきですね。 (Izen o tsutaeshita youni, choukiteki na shiten de kangaeru beki desu ne.)
A: As I previously mentioned, we should consider this stock price decline from a long-term perspective.
3. 予期していた通りです (yoki shite ita toori desu)
This phrase means “As expected” and indicates that you already anticipated the outcome being discussed.
Example: A: この販売戦略は成功しないと思いましたが。 (Kono hanbai senryaku wa seikou shinai to omoimashita ga.)
B: 予期していた通りですね。他の手段を模索しましょう。 (Yoki shite ita toori desu ne. Hoka no shudan o mosaku shimashou.)
A: As expected, let’s explore other options since this sales strategy is not working.
Informal Ways to Say “I Told You So” in Japanese
In informal settings, you can use less formal variations of “I told you so.” These phrases are suitable for conversations among friends, peers, or family members:
1. 言ったでしょ (itta desho)
Meaning “I said so,” this phrase is straightforward and commonly used among friends or close acquaintances.
Example: A: あの飲み会に行かないほうが良かったのに。(Ano nomikai ni ikanai hou ga yokatta noni.)
B: 言ったでしょ！二日酔いは辛いぞ。(Itta desho! Futsukayoi wa tsurai zo.)
A: I said you shouldn’t have gone to that drinking party.
B: I told you so! Hangovers are tough.
2. だから言ったじゃん (dakara itta jan)
This phrase translates to “That’s why I said so,” emphasizing your previous advice or warning.
Example: A: あの新しい店は評判が悪そうだよ。(Ano atarashii mise wa hyouban ga waru sou da yo.)
B: だから言ったじゃん。他のお店に行こう。(Dakara itta jan. Hoka no omise ni ikou.)
A: That new store seems to have bad reviews.
B: That’s why I said so. Let’s go to another place.
3. 信じなかったの？ (shinjinakatta no?)
This phrase directly questions the other person’s lack of belief or trust in your previous statement.
Example: A: 彼は結局、約束を守らなかった。(Kare wa kekkyoku, yakusoku o mamoranakatta.)
B: 信じなかったの？私が言ったとおりだったよ。(Shinjinakatta no? Watashi ga ittatoori datta yo.)
A: He didn’t keep his promise in the end.
B: You didn’t believe me? It happened exactly as I said.
Conclusion
Now armed with these formal and informal ways to say “I told you so” in Japanese, you can navigate various situations with ease. Remember to adapt your usage based on context and relationship dynamics. Politeness is crucial in formal settings, while informal phrases work well among friends and family. So go ahead, express your “I told you so” moments confidently in Japanese!
