あなたも
anata mo
The English phrase "you as well" is translated into Japanese as あなたも (anata mo).
あなたも is used as a polite response to return a wish or a greeting to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of anata, meaning "you" and the particle mo, meaning "also" or "too".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While あなたも is a polite way to say "you as well", using the word anata (you) can sometimes feel direct or even slightly confrontational in Japanese depending on the social context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle mo replaces the subject markers wa or ga to express the meaning of "also" or "too".
How do you pronounce it?
anata mo
Did you know?
- In most real-life conversations, Japanese speakers omit あなたも entirely and simply say こちらこそ, which literally means 'it is I who should be saying that'.
- If a waiter says 'Enjoy your meal' and you respond with あなたも (You as well), you are essentially telling the waiter to go and eat a meal themselves.
- While anata translates to 'you', it is frequently used in Japanese songs and poetry as a romantic way to say 'dear' or 'darling' to a spouse.
Examples in context
- あなたも、お元気で。anata mo, ogenki de.You as well, stay well.
- あなたも、気をつけて。anata mo, ki o tsukete.You as well, take care.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are leaving the office for the weekend.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さん、良い週末を！Yui-san, yoi shūmatsu o!Yui, have a great weekend!
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。あなたもね。Arigatō gozaimasu. Anata mo ne.Thank you. You as well.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you.
- 結衣 Yuiそれでは、また月曜日に。Sore de wa, mata getsuyōbi ni.Well then, see you on Monday.
