What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 私 (me/I), と (and/with) and あなた (you).
Which one should you use?
While 私とあなた is a standard formal expression, 私 (わたくし) と 貴方 (あなた) (Watakushi to anata) provides an even more polite and formal way to say "me and you". For informal situations, males often use 僕 (ぼく) と 君 (きみ) (Boku to kimi), while the very informal 俺 (おれ) と お前 (おまえ) (Ore to omae) is also used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
私とあなた is a formal expression. For higher levels of politeness, use 私 (わたくし) と 貴方 (あなた) (Watakushi to anata). For informal settings, males may use 僕 (ぼく) と 君 (きみ) (Boku to kimi) or the more casual 俺 (おれ) と お前 (おまえ) (Ore to omae).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, the order of the subjects does not change the meaning of the phrase. Therefore, "you and me" is also expressed as 私とあなた.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi to anata
Did you know?
- Japanese has dozens of words for 'I' or 'me' that change based on the speaker's gender, age, social status and even their mood.
- The word 君 (kimi) was historically used by those of higher social rank to address those of lower rank, though it is now common among friends.
- If you use the word あなた (anata) to address a spouse, it functions similarly to the English 'dear' or 'honey'.
Examples in context
- 私とあなたなら、きっとできる。watashi to anata nara, kitto dekiru.If it is me and you, we can surely do it.
- 私とあなたの関係を大切にしたい。watashi to anata no kankei o taisetsu ni shitai.I want to cherish the relationship between me and you.
- 私とあなたの秘密だよ。watashi to anata no himitsu da yo.It is a secret between me and you.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are discussing a project together.
- 美咲 Misaki私とあなたでこの仕事を分担しましょう。Watashi to anata de kono shigoto o buntan shimashou.Let's divide this work between me and you.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。そうしましょう。Ii desu ne. Sou shimashou.That sounds good. Let's do that.
- 美咲 Misakiどちらが資料を作りますか？Dochira ga shiryou o tsukurimasu ka?Which one of us will make the documents?
- 大翔 Hiroto僕が担当しますよ。Boku ga tantou shimasu yo.I will take charge of that.
