Gaining the ability to say simple yet essential phrases in different languages can significantly enhance your cultural experiences and connections with people. When it comes to Japanese, mastering common expressions like “See you tomorrow” is a great way to start. In this guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways to say “See you tomorrow” in Japanese, providing tips, examples, regional variations, and more.
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying “See You Tomorrow”
When addressing someone formally in Japanese, for instance, a superior, customer, or someone you’re not familiar with, you would use the phrase “See you tomorrow” as:
明日{あした}お会{あ}いしましょう。Ashita o ai shimashou.
The phrase “明日お会いしましょう” is a polite and respectful way of saying “See you tomorrow.” It literally translates to “Let’s meet tomorrow,” indicating your willingness to meet the person the following day.
Here’s an example of how you would use this phrase:
Person A: 明日、お会いしましょう。
Person B: はい、お目{め}にかかります。おやすみなさい。
Person A: おやすみなさい。
In this example conversation, Person A initiates the farewell, and Person B politely acknowledges it, responding with “お目にかかります,” which means “I will humbly meet your eyes.” Person A then bids goodnight by saying “おやすみなさい,” to which Person B simply responds with “おやすみなさい.”
Informal Way of Saying “See You Tomorrow”
When speaking to friends, classmates, or peers, you can use a more casual phrase to say “See you tomorrow” in Japanese:
また明日{あした}！Mata ashita!
“また明日” is an informal way to express “See you tomorrow.” It’s more akin to saying “See you tomorrow!” in English, showing a friendly and comfortable relationship between the speaker and the listener.
Here’s an example of its usage:
Person A: お疲{つか}れ様{さま}！また明日！
Person B: お疲れ様！また明日！！
Person A: じゃあ、また明日！
Person B: バイバイ！
In this conversation, Person A greets Person B and says “お疲れ様” which means “Good job” or “Thank you for your hard work.” They then add “また明日” to imply meeting again in a casual tone. Person B responds with the same phrase and bids farewell with “バイバイ” meaning “bye-bye.”
Regional Variations
While Japanese is primarily spoken across Japan, there are notable regional variations in certain phrases and expressions. When it comes to saying “See you tomorrow,” the formal version we discussed earlier remains constant throughout Japan. However, the casual phrase “また明日” might have slight variations in different regions:
1. Kansai Dialect:
In the Kansai region, which includes cities like Kyoto and Osaka, people might say:
また明日やで！Mata ashita yade!
The addition of “やで” at the end of the phrase is a common feature of Kansai dialect where it acts as a casual sentence-ending particle.
2. Hokkaido Dialect:
In the Hokkaido region, a variation of the informal phrase “また明日” is used:
あしたね！Ashita ne!
The use of “ね” at the end of the phrase is a common feature in Hokkaido dialect, adding a sense of friendliness and warmth to the expression.
Tips for Using the Expressions
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these expressions:
- Politeness: It’s essential to use the appropriate formality based on the person you are addressing. The formal expression “明日お会いしましょう” is suitable for superiors, customers, or individuals you want to address respectfully. On the other hand, the informal phrase “また明日” is best for casual conversations with friends or peers.
- Tone and Intonation: Pay attention to your tone and intonation to convey the right meaning behind the words. Friendly and warm intonation fits the informal phrase better, while maintaining a respectful tone is crucial when using the formal expression.
- Non-verbal Communication: Remember that in Japanese culture, non-verbal communication such as bowing or making eye contact holds significance when bidding farewell. Accompanying the phrase with an appropriate non-verbal gesture enhances the overall politeness and warmth of your expression.
Conclusion
Now you have the knowledge and understanding to say “See you tomorrow” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the context and relationship with the person you are speaking to. Understanding regional variations can also add an extra touch to your language skills. So go ahead and confidently express “See you tomorrow,” enriching your Japanese conversations and building meaningful connections!
