Learning how to say “see you soon” in Japanese can come in handy whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, studying the language, or simply interested in immersing yourself in another culture. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express the sentiment of “see you soon” in Japanese, providing you with valuable tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. How to Say “See You Soon” Formally:
When expressing “see you soon” in a formal context in Japanese, you can use the phrase “じゃあ、また” (ja, mata). This phrase is equivalent to the English expression and is widely understood. However, it’s important to note that “じゃあ、また” is a more general expression and not exclusively used for formal occasions.
For formal situations, you can employ the more specific phrase “また後ほどお会いしましょう” (mata nochi hodo oai shimashou). Let’s break down this greeting:
- また (mata): This term means “again” or “also.”
- 後ほど (nochi hodo): It translates to “later” or “after a while.”
- お会いしましょう (o ai shimashou): This phrase expresses “let’s meet.” It is a polite and formal conjugation of “meet.”
Together, these words form the polite Japanese expression for “see you soon” in formal situations.
Example:
After a business meeting:
You: お疲れ様でした。また後ほどお会いしましょう。
(Oh-tsu-ka-re-sama de-shi-ta. Mata nochi hodo oai shimashou.)
Thank you for your hard work. Let’s meet again soon.Colleague: はい、また後ほどお会いしましょう。
(Hai, mata nochi hodo oai shimashou.)
Yes, let’s meet again soon.
2. How to Say “See You Soon” Informally:
When it comes to informal situations between friends, acquaintances, or colleagues on friendly terms, using the phrase “じゃあ、またね” (ja, mata ne) is the most common way to say “see you soon” in Japanese.
The phrase “じゃあ、またね” consists of:
- じゃあ (ja): This term is an informal contraction of “では (dewa),” meaning “well” or “then.”
- またね (mata ne): “また (mata)” is the informal counterpart of “また (mata)” mentioned earlier, meaning “again.”
Overall, “じゃあ、またね” captures the casual and friendly tone associated with informal goodbyes in Japanese.
Example:
After meeting a friend:
You: さ、帰る時間だから、じゃあ、またね！
(Sa, kaeru jikan da kara, ja mata ne!)
Well, it’s time for me to go, so see you soon!Friend: またね！
(Mata ne!)
See you soon!
3. Regional Variations:
While there are no distinct regional variations for expressing “see you soon” in Japanese, there may be slight differences in dialects and local customs across different regions of Japan. However, the phrases mentioned earlier are universally understood and commonly used across the country.
Conclusion:
Mastering basic Japanese greetings like “see you soon” allows you to navigate formal and informal situations with ease. By using the right expression at the appropriate time, you’ll not only showcase your language skills but also demonstrate cultural sensitivity. Now that you have learned the formal “また後ほどお会いしましょう” (mata nochi hodo oai shimashou) and the informal “じゃあ、またね” (ja, mata ne), you are well-equipped to bid farewell and effortlessly connect with native Japanese speakers. Enjoy your language journey and best of luck in incorporating these greetings into your conversations! Sayonara!
