また今度
mata kondo
In Japanese, "see you next time" is expressed as また今度 (mata kondo).
また今度 is used as a casual way to say goodbye when you expect to meet a person again in the future.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of また (again) and 今度 (this time/next time).
Which one should you use?
While また今度 implies a specific "next time" or a future occasion, the phrase またね is a more general, casual "see you" that does not necessarily emphasize a future appointment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
また今度 is informal and should be avoided when speaking to superiors or in formal business settings.
How do you pronounce it?
mata kondo
Did you know?
- Using また今度 can sometimes act as a 'polite refusal' in social situations. If someone invites you somewhere and you reply with this phrase, it can subtly signal that you do not intend to go, without saying 'no' directly.
- The word 今度 is paradoxical because it can mean both 'this time' and 'next time' depending on the context.
- Japanese has several versions of 'again' besides また, such as 再び, which is used in literature or formal speeches instead of casual conversation.
Examples in context
- また今度、遊ぼうね。Mata kondo, asobou ne.Let's hang out again next time.
- 今日はありがとう。また今度！Kyou wa arigatou. Mata kondo!Thanks for today. See you next time!
- また今度、ゆっくり話そう。Mata kondo, yukkuri hanasou.Let's talk more properly next time.
Example conversation
Two friends are leaving a cafe after studying together.
- 結衣 Yui今日はたくさん勉強したね。Kyou wa takusan benkyou shita ne.We studied a lot today.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね。じゃあ、また今度！Hontou da ne. Jaa, mata kondo!True. Well, see you next time!
- 結衣 Yuiうん、また今度ね。Un, mata kondo ne.Yeah, see you next time.
- 陽太 Yotaバイバイ、結衣！Baibai, Yui!Bye-bye, Yui!
