24 Japanese Phrases to Say “See You Later”

Looking for fresh and friendly ways to say “see you later” in Japanese? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re chatting with friends or leaving a casual group, there’s a phrase for every vibe. Japanese offers a rich variety of expressions that fit different moods and occasions.

From simple goodbyes to more colorful native expressions, mastering these will make your conversations feel natural and warm.

Understanding the subtle differences between these phrases helps you connect better with Japanese speakers and adds a fun twist to your language skills.

Plus, learning these phrases boosts your confidence and makes everyday interactions more enjoyable.

Ready to explore 24 awesome ways to say “see you later” in Japanese? Let’s dive in!

Warm-Up: Why So Many Ways to Say “See You Later”?

Japanese culture values nuance, and so does its language.

From casual to formal, each phrase fits a different relationship or setting. Knowing the right one shows respect and friendliness. It also helps avoid awkward goodbyes!

Plus, using varied expressions keeps your conversations interesting and shows you care about how you connect.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s fun to explore how different words and endings change the tone and meaning.

And the best part? You can practice these phrases anytime with friends or in language apps.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. じゃね (Ja ne) – “See ya”

This is the go-to casual “see you” phrase among friends.

“じゃね” (ja ne) breaks down as “じゃ” (ja), a casual “well then,” and “ね” (ne), a sentence-ending particle adding friendliness. It’s like saying “Well then, see you!”

Easy to say and perfect for informal goodbyes.

It sounds relaxed and natural, just like a quick wave goodbye.

A related phrase is “じゃあね” (jaa ne), which is slightly longer but very similar.

Use this often, and you’ll sound like a native just wrapping up a fun chat.

2. またね (Mata ne) – “See you again”

“またね” (mata ne) means “See you again” or “Until next time.”

“また” (mata) means “again,” and “ね” (ne) adds a warm, soft tone. It’s casual and perfect when you expect to meet someone again soon.

Simple and friendly, it’s great for friends and classmates.

Remember not to use it in super formal settings.

Example: When leaving a study group, say “またね!” to show you look forward to next time.

It’s a phrase that keeps connections alive with a hopeful vibe.

3. バイバイ (Bai bai) – “Bye-bye”

This one’s borrowed from English but fully natural in casual Japanese.

“バイバイ” (bai bai) is easy to remember and widely used among all ages.

It’s informal, playful, and perfect for friends or kids.

It’s like saying “Bye-bye!” in English, so it feels very familiar.

Just avoid using it in formal or business settings.

Using “バイバイ” adds a light, cheerful energy to your farewell.

4. またあとで (Mata ato de) – “See you later”

“またあとで” (mata ato de) literally means “again, after.”

It’s a casual way to say “See you later,” implying you’ll meet again soon.

Great for colleagues or friends when you expect to reconnect the same day.

Don’t confuse it with “またね” which is more general.

Example: After lunch break, saying “またあとで” signals you’ll see them again soon.

It’s a practical phrase that works well for daily routines.

5. じゃあ、また (Jaa, mata) – “Well then, see you”

“じゃあ、また” (jaa, mata) combines “Well then” and “again.”

It’s casual but a bit more complete than just “またね.”

You can use it comfortably with friends or coworkers.

It’s a friendly and upbeat way to part ways.

Think of it as “Alright, see you later!”

Perfect for wrapping up casual conversations smoothly.

6. じゃあねー (Jaa ne-) – Extended casual goodbye

This is a relaxed, drawn-out version of “じゃあね.”

The extra “ー” sound stretches the goodbye, making it feel playful and warm.

Common among younger people or close friends.

Try not to use it in serious or formal settings.

It’s like a casual, “See yaaa!”

Great for showing closeness and comfort in casual farewells.

7. また明日 (Mata ashita) – “See you tomorrow”

“また明日” (mata ashita) literally means “See you tomorrow.”

It’s perfect when you know you’ll meet again soon, like classmates or coworkers.

Simple and clear, it’s a friendly way to confirm plans or expectations.

Avoid using it if the next meeting isn’t actually tomorrow.

Example: After a work shift, “また明日!” signals you’ll see them next day.

It adds a nice, hopeful touch to goodbyes.

8. じゃ、またね (Ja, mata ne) – “Well, see you later”

“じゃ、またね” (ja, mata ne) is a casual farewell combining “Well then” and “See you later.”

It’s friendly and commonly used among friends or acquaintances.

Short and sweet, it keeps the mood light and warm.

It’s a versatile phrase that works in many casual situations.

You can think of it as “Alright, see you!”

It’s a great phrase to practice to sound natural and approachable.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. また後ほど (Mata nochihodo) – “See you later (formal)”

“また後ほど” (mata nochihodo) is a polite way to say “see you later.”

“後ほど” (nochihodo) means “later on,” making this phrase suitable for business or formal situations.

It’s respectful without being stiff, perfect for coworkers or clients.

Avoid using casual phrases like “じゃね” in formal contexts.

Example: Ending a meeting, you can say “また後ほどよろしくお願いします” for “See you later, thank you.”

It’s a great phrase to show professionalism and warmth together.

10. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me / See you”

“失礼します” (shitsurei shimasu) literally means “I’m being rude,” but is used as a polite goodbye.

Common in workplaces or when leaving a group formally.

It shows respect and humility when parting.

Not used in casual conversations.

Example: Leaving your boss’s office, saying “失礼します” is appropriate.

It’s a must-know phrase for professional Japanese settings.

11. お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita) – “Thank you for your hard work / See you later”

“お疲れ様でした” (otsukaresama deshita) means “Thank you for your hard work.”

It’s a polite farewell used among coworkers after work or meetings.

Shows appreciation and respect for the effort shared.

Not typically used outside work or formal groups.

Example: After a long day, saying “お疲れ様でした” is a warm goodbye.

It’s a phrase that builds camaraderie and professionalism.

12. それでは失礼いたします (Soredewa shitsurei itashimasu) – “Well then, excuse me”

A very polite and formal way to say goodbye.

“失礼いたします” is the humble form of “失礼します,” adding extra respect.

Used in business or formal social settings.

Avoid using it in casual conversations.

Example: Leaving a formal meeting or event, this phrase fits perfectly.

It signals respect while politely exiting.

13. では、また (Dewa, mata) – “Well then, see you” (formal casual)

“では、また” (dewa, mata) is a polite yet casual way to say “see you.”

“では” (dewa) is a formal “well then,” and “また” means “again.”

Good for polite conversations that aren’t overly formal.

Use this when you want to stay polite but friendly.

Example: Leaving a client meeting, you can say “では、またよろしくお願いします.”

It’s a versatile phrase that balances warmth and politeness.

14. ごきげんよう (Gokigenyou) – “Farewell” (very formal)

“ごきげんよう” (gokigenyou) is a very formal and somewhat old-fashioned farewell.

It literally means “May you be in good spirits.”

Used mainly in formal letters or speeches, not everyday talk.

It sounds refined and polite, suitable for formal occasions.

Example: A host might say this when guests leave a traditional gathering.

It’s a beautiful phrase to learn for cultural understanding.

15. お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me for leaving before you”

Used when you leave work or a meeting before others.

It’s polite and acknowledges respect for those staying behind.

Common in workplaces.

Don’t use this phrase casually with friends.

Example: Leaving the office early, say “お先に失礼します.”

It shows awareness and consideration in professional settings.

16. 失礼ですが、またお会いしましょう (Shitsurei desu ga, mata oai shimashou) – “Excuse me, let’s meet again”

This is a respectful way to say “Let’s meet again.”

It’s formal and polite, suitable for networking or business.

A bit longer, but shows sincere intention to reconnect.

Not used in casual conversations.

Example: After a business seminar, you can say this to new contacts.

It leaves a positive and professional impression.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. じゃあねーまたね (Jaa ne- mata ne) – “See ya, see you later”

A super casual, native way to say goodbye.

Combines “じゃあねー” (jaa ne-) and “またね” (mata ne) for extra friendliness.

Sounds very warm and natural among close friends.

Avoid in new or formal relationships.

Example: After hanging out, saying this shows closeness.

It’s a phrase you’ll hear often among young people.

18. バイちゃ (Baicha) – Playful “Bye”

“バイちゃ” (baicha) is a cute, playful twist on “バイバイ.”

Used mainly by younger speakers or in fun contexts.

It adds a bit of personality and charm to goodbyes.

Not suitable for formal or unfamiliar situations.

Example: Saying “バイちゃ” to friends after a party.

It’s a phrase that brightens farewells with casual flair.

19. じゃ、また明日ね (Ja, mata ashita ne) – “Well, see you tomorrow”

Super casual and friendly way to say “See you tomorrow.”

Combines “じゃ” (ja) for “well then” and “また明日ね” (mata ashita ne) for “see you tomorrow.”

Great for classmates or coworkers.

Sounds natural and warm.

Example: After school, this phrase is perfect to say goodbye.

It’s easy and friendly, making daily farewells pleasant.

20. じゃあ、またねー (Jaa, mata ne-) – Friendly and extended goodbye

This is the casual “じゃあ、またね” with a drawn-out ending.

The stretched “ねー” adds warmth and playfulness.

Very common among young people.

Use it to sound approachable and friendly.

Example: Leaving a park after hanging out, say “じゃあ、またねー!”

It makes your goodbye feel personal and light-hearted.

21. ほなね (Hona ne) – Kansai dialect casual goodbye

“ほなね” (hona ne) is Kansai dialect for “See you later.”

It’s casual and regional, popular in Osaka and nearby areas.

Gives you a local flavor if you’re in western Japan.

Not widely used outside that region.

Example: Saying “ほなね” to friends in Osaka feels natural and warm.

Using dialect phrases shows cultural awareness and friendliness.

22. またな (Mata na) – Casual and slightly masculine “See you”

“またな” (mata na) is a casual “see you” often used by guys.

Short and to the point, it’s relaxed and informal.

Good for close friends and casual settings.

Less common among women but still understood.

Example: Saying “またな” after playing sports with friends.

It’s a simple phrase that conveys casual friendliness.

23. じゃ、バイバイ (Ja, bai bai) – “Well, bye-bye”

Mixing “じゃ” (well then) with “バイバイ” makes a casual farewell.

It sounds lively and approachable.

Perfect for informal gatherings.

Keep it light and fun.

Example: After a friendly meet-up, say “じゃ、バイバイ!”

It adds a cheerful end to your conversation.

24. それじゃ、またね (Sore ja, mata ne) – “Well then, see you later”

“それじゃ、またね” (sore ja, mata ne) is a casual but polite farewell.

“それじゃ” means “well then,” combined with “またね” for “see you later.”

It’s versatile and sounds natural in everyday talk.

Great for friends and acquaintances alike.

Example: Ending a phone call warmly with this phrase.

It’s a graceful way to leave a conversation on a friendly note.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 Japanese ways to say “see you later” shows just how rich and expressive the language is.

Each phrase carries subtle nuances that help you connect more deeply with people and culture.

So next time you part ways, try one of these phrases and enjoy the warm smiles it brings back. Happy learning!