あなたもね
anata mo ne
In Japanese, "you too" is said as あなたもね (anata mo ne).
This phrase is used to return well-wishes, such as responding to someone saying "Have a nice day" or "Take care" in a casual context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of anata (you), mo (also/too) and the sentence-ending particle ne (right/you know).
Which one should you use?
Removing the final ne to say あなたも makes the phrase slightly more direct and less soft or conversational.
How do you pronounce it?
anata mo ne
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-rely on the word anata (you), but in natural Japanese, it is often more polite to use the person's name followed by san instead of using anata when returning a greeting.
Did you know?
- While あなた is the dictionary translation for 'you', using it with a spouse or partner in a domestic setting can be a term of endearment similar to 'dear' or 'honey'.
- When returning a wish like 'good luck', a Japanese person might say お互い頑張りましょう, which means 'let's both do our best' rather than focusing on the other person.
- While 'you too' translates to あなたもね, using the word あなた in person can actually create a psychological distance between speakers. It can feel cold or assertive, almost as if you are pointing a finger at the person.
Examples in context
- あなたもね。Anata mo ne.You too.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are saying goodbye after school.
- 陽太 Yotaバイバイ、気をつけてね。Baibai, ki o tsukete ne.Bye, take care.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。あなたもね！Arigatō. Anata mo ne!Thanks. You too!
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、また明日。Jaa, mata ashita.Well, see you tomorrow.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、また明日！Un, mata ashita!Yeah, see you tomorrow!
