お話しできてよかったです
ohanashi dekite yokatta desu
In Japanese, "it was nice talking to you" is said as お話しできてよかったです (ohanashi dekite yokatta desu).
This phrase is used to end a conversation to show that you enjoyed speaking with the other person. It is typically used at the very end of a conversation, often right before bowing or departing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down to being able to talk (ohanashi dekite) was good (yokatta desu).
Which one should you use?
While お話しできてよかったです is a standard polite way to express this, お話を伺えて光栄です is used to convey a sense of honor to have listened to the other person's story. For casual settings, you can use お話しできて楽しかったね or お話できてよかったと思うよ, where adding to omou yo at the end expresses your personal thoughts and feelings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The polite form お話しできてよかったです is suitable for use with acquaintances, colleagues or people you have just met. For higher levels of formality, use お話を伺えて光栄です. In informal situations, use お話しできて楽しかったね or お話できてよかったと思うよ.
How do you pronounce it?
ohanashi dekite yokatta desu
Did you know?
- When using the more formal version involving 伺う (ukagau), you are using a 'kenjougo' or humble verb, which lowers your own status to elevate the person you spoke with.
- The word よかった (yokatta) in this phrase expresses a sense of relief or gratitude that the event actually happened, rather than just describing the quality of the conversation as 'nice'.
- While English speakers say 'nice talking to you' to signal the end of a chat, a Japanese speaker might pair お話しできてよかったです with a bow whose depth and duration are determined by the other person's social rank.
Examples in context
- 今日はお話しできてよかったです。Kyou wa ohanashi dekite yokatta desu.It was nice talking to you today.
- 直接お話しできてよかったです。Chokusetsu ohanashi dekite yokatta desu.It was nice being able to talk to you directly.
Example conversation
Two acquaintances are parting ways after a brief chat at a café.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日は楽しい時間でした。Kyou wa tanoshii jikan deshita.I had a wonderful time today.
- 美咲 Misaki私もです。お話しできてよかったです。Watashi mo desu. Ohanashi dekite yokatta desu.Me too. It was nice talking to you.
- 大翔 Hirotoまた会いましょうね。Mata aimashou ne.Let's meet again.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、ぜひ。Hai, zehi.Yes, definitely.
