あなた
anata[a̠na̠ta̠]
The English phrase 'my dear' can be translated into Japanese as あなた (anata).
While あなた can be used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or a loved one, its use in modern Japanese is rare. Using it this way often feels dramatic, literary or old-fashioned.
How do you pronounce it?
anata
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use あなた to address people they know well. In Japanese, it is more natural to use the person's name or title instead of a pronoun.
Did you know?
- While あなた can mean 'my dear' in a romantic context, using it with a stranger or a superior can actually sound confrontational or cold.
- The word あなた originally did not mean 'you' at all, but instead referred to a physical direction or a place that was far away from both the speaker and the listener.
- In traditional Japanese households, a wife might address her husband as あなた, but it is much less common for a husband to address his wife this way.
Examples in context
- 正直に言いますよ、ねえあなた、私は全く興味がないのです。Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.Tatoeba #1078994 by thyc244, translation #573559 by Leono
- ねえ、あなた、愛してるわ。Nee, anata, aishiteru wa.Hey, my dear, I love you.
- あなた、ずっとそばにいて。Anata, zutto soba ni ite.My dear, please stay by my side forever.
Example conversation
A quiet evening at home between a husband and wife.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、今夜はとても綺麗だね。Yui, konya wa totemo kirei dane.Yui, you look very beautiful tonight.
- 結衣 Yui本当？ありがとう、陽太。Honto? Arigato, Yota.Really? Thank you, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaねえあなた、大好きだよ。Nee anata, daisuki dayo.My dear, I love you so much.
- 結衣 Yui私も、あなたを愛しているわ。Watashi mo, anata o aishite iru wa.I love you too, my dear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry あなた, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries あなた, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
