会いたいです
aitai desu
The English phrase "I want to meet you" is expressed in Japanese as 会いたいです (aitai desu).
This phrase is used to express a desire to see someone in person. The verb 会う (au) specifically implies meeting a person, rather than just 'seeing' an object or a movie.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb 会う (au, to meet) and the auxiliary adjective 〜たい (-tai, wanting to do something).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For friends, peers or people you are generally close to, you can use the informal 会いたい！ or 君に会いたいな。 To express enthusiasm and a strong desire to meet someone, use ぜひ会いたい！ For communicating with someone of higher status or in a more respectful context, お会いしたいです。 is highly appropriate. To convey your wish to meet someone formally, use お目にかかりたいです。 Additionally, 会いたいと思っています。 is a polite way to express your wish to meet someone.
How do you pronounce it?
aitai desu
Did you know?
- While 会いたい can mean 'I want to meet', it is the primary way Japanese speakers say 'I miss you', as there is no direct single-word equivalent for 'miss' in Japanese.
- The highly formal phrase お目にかかりたい literally translates to 'I want to put my eyes on you', framing the meeting as a privilege for the speaker.
- Because Japanese relies heavily on context, you will often hear people say just 会いたい without ever mentioning 'me' or 'you', as the subjects are understood to be present.
Examples in context
- 今すぐ会いたいです。Ima sugu aitai desu.I want to see you right now.
- 久しぶりに会いたいです。Hisashiburi ni aitai desu.I want to see you after a long time.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking on the phone.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんに会いたいです。Yui-san ni aitai desu.I want to see you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui私も健太さんに会いたいです。Watashi mo Kenta-san ni aitai desu.I want to see you too, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta来週、会いましょう。Raishuu, aimashou.Let's meet next week.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、楽しみにしています。Hai, tanoshimi ni shite imasu.Yes, I am looking forward to it.
