あなたたち
anatatachi
The Japanese phrase for "you guys" is あなたたち (anatatachi).
あなたたち is used to mean "you all" when addressing a group of two or more people.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of anata (you) and the pluralizing suffix -tachi (group/plural marker).
Which one should you use?
While あなたたち means "you all," other forms provide different nuances.
How do you pronounce it?
anatatachi
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use あなたたち. Using it toward superiors or strangers can sound confrontational or overly direct.
Did you know?
- To avoid the directness of あなたたち, Japanese speakers often omit the word 'you' entirely if the group is already known from context.
- The suffix -たち (-tachi) can sometimes be used to turn a person's name into a friendly way to address them and their close circle. For example, calling someone 'Tanaka-tachi' implies 'Tanaka and his group'.
- In casual settings among close friends, men often use お前たち (omaetachi) instead of あなたたち. However, be careful, as this is much more rough and can sound quite aggressive if used with the wrong person.
Examples in context
- あなたたち、忙しい？Are you guys busy?This sentence is useful for asking if あなたたち are busy.Tatoeba #8726017 by bunbuku, translation #2046678 by CK
- あなたたち、元気にしてる？How are you guys doing?This sentence is useful for asking how あなたたち are doing.Tatoeba #2138437 by bunbuku, translation #3396709 by CK
- あなたたちって、初心者なの？Are you guys beginners?This sentence is useful for asking if あなたたち are beginners.Tatoeba #12266481 by small_snow, translation #13472483 by CK
- 皆さん、どうぞお入りください。Please come in, everyone.
- みなさま、お待ちください。Please wait, everyone.
- みなさま、ありがとうございます。Thank you, everyone.
- 君たち、何をしているの？What are you guys doing?
- 君たち、一緒に行こうよ！Let's go together, you guys!
- みんな、どこに行きたい？Where do you guys want to go?
- みんな、お腹は空いている？Is everyone hungry?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki is talking to Kenta and his friends.
- 美咲 Misakiあなたたち、どこに行くの？Anata-tachi, doko ni iku no?Where are you guys going?
- 健太 Kenta駅前のカフェに行くよ。Ekimae no kafe ni iku yo.We're going to the cafe in front of the station.
- 美咲 Misakiいいな。私もついていく！Ii na. Watashi mo tsuite iku!Lucky. I'm coming too!
- 健太 Kentaいいよ。一緒に行こう。Ii yo. Issho ni ikou.Sure. Let's go together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
