What does it mean word for word?
The phrase また明日話しましょう is composed of mata (again), ashita (tomorrow) and hanashimashō (let's talk).
Which one should you use?
While また明日話しましょう is a standard way to say "Let's speak again tomorrow," you can use また明日お話ししましょう to be more polite and respectful. In very casual settings with friends or peers, you can also shorten the phrase to just また明日 to mean "See you tomorrow."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
また明日話しましょう and Ashita mata ohanashi shimasu are formal ways to express the idea of talking again the next day. For a more polite and respectful tone, you should use また明日お話ししましょう. For informal situations, you can use Mata ashita ne to say "See you (or talk to you) tomorrow," or simply また明日.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ending -mashō in また明日話しましょう is the volitional form, which is used to express a suggestion or an invitation to do something together.
How do you pronounce it?
mata ashita hanashimashō
Did you know?
- In a professional Japanese environment, the phrase また明日 might be replaced by お疲れ様でした (you worked hard), which serves as the primary way to acknowledge someone's effort before leaving for the day.
- The word 話す (hanasu), used in the phrase, is a homophone for another common verb meaning 'to release' or 'to let go', such as in the context of releasing a bird from a cage.
- In Japanese culture, saying また明日 (see you tomorrow) is often a social ritual rather than a literal promise to communicate. It functions more like a 'goodbye' than a scheduled appointment.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are leaving the office for the day.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さん、今日はお疲れ様でした。Daito-san, kyō wa otsukaresama deshita.Daito, thank you for your hard work today.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんも、お疲れ様でした。Yui-san mo, otsukaresama deshita.Yui, thank you for your hard work too.
- 結衣 Yui続きは、また明日話しましょう。Tsuzuki wa, mata ashita hanashimashou.Let's talk more about the rest tomorrow.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、また明日よろしくお願いします。Hai, mata ashita yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Yes, I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow.
