また会いましょう
mata aimashō
The Japanese phrase for "see you again" is また会いましょう (mata aimashō).
また会いましょう is used when there is a genuine expectation or desire to meet the person again, rather than as a generic, empty parting salutation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of また (again), ai (the stem of the verb to meet) and ましょう (the polite volitional form meaning "let's").
Which one should you use?
While また会いましょう is polite and suitable for acquaintances or professional settings, またね is a much more casual version used with friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending ましょう expresses a suggestion or a polite intention to do something together, making the phrase a suggestion to meet again rather than just a statement of fact.
How do you pronounce it?
mata aimashō
Did you know?
- If you are leaving work for the day, you would rarely use また会いましょう to your colleagues. Instead, people use お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu), which acknowledges the hard work everyone has done.
- While また会いましょう is polite, using it with a close friend might actually sound strangely formal or even distant, as if you are suddenly treating them like a stranger.
- If you are hanging up a phone call, you wouldn't use また会いましょう because you cannot physically 'meet' someone through a wire. You would instead use 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu), meaning 'I am being rude by leaving'.
Examples in context
- また会いましょう。See you again.This sentence demonstrates the basic use of また会いましょう.Tatoeba #195462 by small_snow, translation #32635 by CK
- ご縁があったらまた会いましょう。It would be nice to see you again if the opportunity arises.This sentence shows a more formal way to express the desire to meet again if the opportunity arises using また会いましょう.Tatoeba #897425 by bunbuku, translation #7911362 by User83551
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are finishing a lunch date.
- 蓮 Ren今日はありがとうございました。Kyou wa arigatou gozaimashita.Thank you for today.
- 結衣 Yuiこちらこそ、楽しかったです。Kochira koso, tanoshikatta desu.Me too, I had a great time.
- 蓮 Renまた会いましょう。Mata aimashou.Let's meet again.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、またね！Hai, mata ne!Yes, see you!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
