What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mata (again), ato de (later) and the particle ne (a sentence-ending particle used for seeking agreement or softening the tone). Literally, it means 'again later, right?'
Which one should you use?
While また後でね implies you will speak or meet again later specifically in the near future, またね is a more general 'see you' that doesn't specify a timeframe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal situations, you have several options: また後でお話しましょう is a polite way of expressing your intention to talk in the future. 後ほどお話しいたします means "I will talk to you later." and is often used in professional settings. And では、後ほど means "Well then, later." and is used commonly in business conversations. For informal settings, you can use またね (see you later), じゃあね (see ya) or じゃ、後でね (Well, later!). Additionally, dropping the final particle ne to say また後で makes the phrase slightly more blunt and is common among close male friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ne at the end functions similarly to 'okay?' or 'right?' in English, adding a friendly, conversational nuance to the goodbye.
How do you pronounce it?
mata ato de ne
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, saying また後で without a specific time can sometimes be viewed as a 'social lubricant' rather than a literal promise to call or meet.
- The polite version 後ほどお話しいたします uses a special form of humility called 'kenjougo' which lowers the speaker's status to show respect to the listener.
- In Japanese text messaging, you might see friends shorten また後で to just また or even use just the character 又 in very casual, shorthand digital communications.
Examples in context
- また後でね、太郎さんTalk to you later, Tarou.
- また後でね。mata ato de ne.Talk to you later.
- また後でね、バイバイ！mata ato de ne, baibai!Talk to you later, bye bye!
- じゃあ、また後でね。jaa, mata ato de ne.Well, talk to you later.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are saying goodbye after a brief meeting at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、また後でね。Misaki, mata ato de ne.Misaki, talk to you later.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、また後でね、健太。un, mata ato de ne, Kenta.Yeah, talk to you later, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、また。jaa, mata.See you then.
- 美咲 Misakiバイバイ！baibai!Bye bye!
