また会えて嬉しいです
mata aete ureshī desu
In Japanese, "nice to see you again" is expressed as また会えて嬉しいです (mata aete ureshī desu).
また会えて嬉しいです is a polite expression used to tell someone that you are happy to meet them again. This phrase is used specifically when you have met the person before. It cannot be used for a first-time meeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mata (again), aete (the potential/te-form of to meet, meaning 'being able to meet') and ureshī desu (am happy).
Which one should you use?
Adding the honorific prefix o to the verb au (to meet) makes the expression またお会いできて嬉しいです much more formal and respectful toward the person you are meeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the desu at the end makes the phrase また会えて嬉しい informal and suitable for friends or people of equal status.
How do you pronounce it?
mata aete ureshī desu
Did you know?
- When using the more formal version, お会いできて (oai dekite), you are essentially using a grammatical structure called 'kenjougo', which lowers your own status to show respect to the listener.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'happiness' in this phrase, 嬉しい (ureshii), specifically describes a feeling of temporary joy or pleasure, rather than a deep, long-lasting state of 'happiness' like the word 幸せ (shiawase).
- In high-level business Japanese, one might replace the entire phrase with a standard seasonal greeting to express the pleasure of the reunion, making the direct 'happiness' of the phrase seem too personal.
Examples in context
- また会えて嬉しいです。Mata aete ureshii desu.I am happy to see you again.
- 久しぶりですね。また会えて嬉しいです。Hisashiburi desu ne. Mata aete ureshii desu.It has been a long time. I am happy to see you again.
- 今日、また会えて嬉しいです。Kyou, mata aete ureshii desu.I am happy to see you again today.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari meet at a cafe after several months.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さん、また会えて嬉しいです。Himari-san, mata aete ureshii desu.Himari, I am happy to see you again.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、私もまた会えて嬉しいです。Ren-san, watashi mo mata aete ureshii desu.Ren, I am also happy to see you again.
- 蓮 Ren元気でしたか？Genki deshita ka?Have you been well?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、元気でしたよ。Hai, genki deshita yo.Yes, I have been well.
