Greetings play an important role in Japanese culture, and knowing how to bid farewell is equally essential. Whether you want to say goodbye to a friend, colleague, or someone you’ve just met, the phrase “till next time” can be a warm and friendly way to part ways. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this phrase in both formal and informal settings. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Till Next Time”
When it comes to formal settings in Japanese, there are a few phrases you can use to express the sentiment of “till next time.” These phrases are commonly used in professional or polite contexts:
1. またお会いしましょう (Mata o ai shimashou)
This phrase translates to “Let’s meet again” and is appropriate when saying goodbye to someone you expect to meet in the future. It maintains a formal tone and shows your willingness to see the person again.
Example: During a business meeting, after discussing plans, you can conclude with “またお会いしましょう” to express your interest in future collaborations.
2. では、また (De wa, mata)
This phrase is a shortened version of “では、また会いましょう” (De wa, mata aimashou), which means “Well then, let’s meet again.” It is commonly used in professional or formal situations to bid farewell.
Example: When leaving a formal event or conference, you can politely say “では、また” to convey your intention of meeting again in the future.
Informal Ways to Say “Till Next Time”
If you’re saying goodbye to a friend or someone you’re comfortable with, you can use these informal phrases to express “till next time” in Japanese:
1. じゃあね (Jaa ne)
This phrase is a casual way to say “See you” or “Bye.” It’s commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
Example: When parting ways with a close friend, you can simply say “じゃあね” to express that you’ll meet again soon.
2. またね (Mata ne)
This is another informal way to say “See you later” or “Bye for now.” It’s suitable for friends and those with whom you have a closer relationship.
Example: After hanging out with friends, you can bid them farewell by saying “またね” to indicate that you’ll see each other again soon.
Other Variations and Tips
While the phrases mentioned above cover the most common ways to say “till next time” in Japanese, it’s worth noting a few additional variations and useful tips:
Regional Variations
Throughout Japan, you may encounter regional variations in greetings. For example:
- In the Kansai region, people often use “またな” (Mata na) instead of “じゃあね” (Jaa ne) to say goodbye casually.
- In the Tohoku region, “じゃあね” (Jaa ne) might be pronounced as “じゃあな” (Jaa na).
Adding Emphasis
If you want to add emphasis or make your farewell sound more sincere, you can consider using the following expressions:
- “また必ず会いましょう” (Mata kanarazu aimashou) means “Let’s definitely meet again.” This conveys a strong desire to see the person in the future.
- “また、楽しみにしています” (Mata, tanoshimi ni shiteimasu) means “I’m looking forward to seeing you again.” This expresses anticipation and excitement about the next encounter.
Remember to adjust the level of formality based on the context and your relationship with the person you are bidding farewell to. Japanese culture places great importance on politeness, so choosing the appropriate phrase is crucial.
With these various ways of saying “till next time” in Japanese, you can confidently bid farewell to anyone in both formal and casual settings. Keep practicing these phrases, and you’ll be able to show your warm wishes and appreciation for future encounters!
