お話できて楽しかったです
ohanashi dekite tanoshikatta desu
Nice talking to you
Phrase in 30 Seconds
A polite and warm way to conclude a conversation by expressing that you enjoyed the time spent talking with the other person.
- Means: 'I enjoyed being able to talk with you' (polite past tense).
- Used in: Ending first meetings, networking events, or catching up with acquaintances.
- Don't confuse: Use 'tanoshikatta' (past) for the conversation, not 'tanoshii' (present) when leaving.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Expressing enjoyment from a conversation with someone.
Cultural Background
The use of 'o' in 'o-hanashi' is a form of 'Bikago' (beautified speech). It shows that you value the interaction itself as something beautiful or important. Ending a conversation in Japan often requires a 'cushion' phrase to avoid a sudden or 'cold' departure. This phrase acts as that cushion. The concept of 'Enryo' (restraint) means you might say this even if the conversation was just okay, simply to maintain social harmony. In the Kansai region, people might use more colorful or energetic closers, but 'O-hanashi dekite tanoshikatta desu' remains the standard polite form nationwide.
The 'Half-Bow' Finish
When saying this phrase, give a slight 15-degree bow. It completes the polite image and makes you sound like a native.
Don't say it too early!
Saying this in the middle of a conversation sounds like you are trying to escape. Only use it when the interaction is clearly ending.
Meaning
Expressing enjoyment from a conversation with someone.
The 'Half-Bow' Finish
When saying this phrase, give a slight 15-degree bow. It completes the polite image and makes you sound like a native.
Don't say it too early!
Saying this in the middle of a conversation sounds like you are trying to escape. Only use it when the interaction is clearly ending.
Reciprocating
If someone says this to you, always reply with 'Kochira koso!' (Likewise!) before adding your own thanks.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I enjoyed being able to talk with you' in a polite way.
今日はお話（ ）楽しかったです。
The potential te-form 'dekite' is used to show that 'being able to talk' was the reason for the enjoyment.
Which of these is the most appropriate way to end a conversation with a new business contact at a mixer?
Choose the best closer:
It uses the polite 'o' prefix, the potential 'dekite' form, and the polite past tense 'deshita/desu'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: お話できて光栄でした (O-hanashi dekite kouei deshita)
'Kouei' (honor) is used for very high-status individuals.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 今日はありがとうございました。 B: （ ）。また会いましょう。
This is the most natural way to reciprocate a 'thank you' at the end of a meeting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is polite enough for a boss you have a good relationship with. For a very strict boss, use 'O-hanashi dekite benkyou ni narimashita' (I learned a lot).
No, when followed by 'desu,' it is perfectly standard polite Japanese (Teineigo).
'Tanoshikatta' means the activity was fun. 'Ureshikatta' means you feel happy/honored personally.
Yes, it's very common in follow-up emails after a meeting or social event.
In a polite setting, yes. Removing it makes the phrase significantly more casual.
Yes, 'Tanoshikatta desu!' is shorter but less specific to the conversation.
It's a bit too 'light.' Better to say 'O-jikan wo itadaki, arigatou gozaimashita.'
Just say 'Tanoshikatta ne!' (It was fun, wasn't it!).
Avoid 'tanoshikatta.' Use 'O-hanashi dekite yokatta desu' (It was good to be able to talk).
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral.
Related Phrases
お{会|あ}いできて{嬉|うれ}しかったです
similarI was happy to be able to meet you.
お{話|はなし}できて{光栄|こうえい}です
specialized formIt is an honor to be able to talk with you.
{楽|たの}しかったです
builds onIt was fun.
お{時間|じかん}ありがとうございました
similarThank you for your time.
Where to Use It
Networking Event
A: そろそろ{失礼|しつれい}します。お{話|はなし}できて{楽|たの}しかったです。
B: こちらこそ！またお{会|あ}いしましょう。
First Date
A: {今日|きょう}はありがとうございました。お{話|はなし}できて{楽|たの}しかったです。
B: 私もです。{気|き}をつけて{帰|かえ}ってくださいね。
Language Exchange
A: {時間|じかん}ですね。お{話|はなし}できて{楽|たの}しかったです！
B: はい、また{来週|らいしゅう}お{話|はなし}しましょう！
Meeting a Neighbor
A: あ、もうこんな{時間|じかん}。お{話|はなし}できて{楽|たの}しかったです。
B: いえいえ、こちらこそ。また。
Ending a Zoom Call
A: では、これで。お{話|はなし}できて{楽|たの}しかったです。
B: ありがとうございました。お{疲|つか}れ{様|さま}です。
Talking to a Friend's Parent
A: {今日|きょう}はお{邪魔|じゃま}しました。お{話|はなし}できて{楽|たの}しかったです。
B: またいつでも{遊|あそ}びに{来|き}てくださいね。
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'O-Hanashi' as 'Oh, Honey, we talked!' and 'Tanoshikatta' as 'Ta-no-she-caught-a' (fun vibe).
Visual Association
Imagine two people sitting on a park bench, a warm golden light glowing between them as they stand up to bow and say goodbye. The light represents the 'fun' they shared.
Rhyme
Talk was done, it was fun: O-hanashi dekite tanoshikatta, everyone!
Story
You meet a famous Japanese chef. You talk about sushi for ten minutes. As you leave, you want to show you're a polite student. You say 'O-hanashi' (The talk) 'dekite' (was possible) 'tanoshikatta' (and it was fun!). He smiles and gives you an extra piece of tuna.
Word Web
Challenge
Next time you finish a 1-on-1 Japanese lesson or a chat with a Japanese speaker, use this exact phrase instead of just 'Sayonara.'
In Other Languages
It was great talking to you.
Japanese emphasizes the 'ability' to talk as a cause for the fun.
Fue un placer hablar contigo.
Spanish often uses 'contigo' (with you) explicitly, while Japanese implies the 'you' through context.
C'était un plaisir de discuter avec vous.
French requires the preposition 'de', while Japanese uses the 'te-form' to connect the ideas.
Es war schön, mit Ihnen zu sprechen.
German is more direct about the act of speaking ('zu sprechen').
تشرفت بالحديث معك (Tasharaftu bil-hadith ma'ak)
Arabic is often more formal even in casual settings compared to 'tanoshikatta.'
跟你聊天很开心 (Gēn nǐ liáotiān hěn kāixīn)
Chinese uses 'kāixīn' (happy/open heart) which is a very close match for 'tanoshii.'
말씀 즐거웠습니다 (Malsseum jeulgeowossseumnida)
Korean often omits the 'being able to' (dekite) part in this specific set phrase.
Foi um prazer conversar com você.
Portuguese 'conversar' is slightly more formal than 'falar' (to speak), matching the 'o-hanashi' vibe.
Easily Confused
Learners often forget the 'de' in 'dekite'.
Remember 'dekite' means 'was able to.' It makes you sound more humble and grateful.
Using 'ga' instead of 'dekite'.
'O-hanashi ga tanoshikatta' means 'Your story was fun.' Use 'dekite' to focus on the interaction.
FAQ (10)
Yes, it is polite enough for a boss you have a good relationship with. For a very strict boss, use 'O-hanashi dekite benkyou ni narimashita' (I learned a lot).
No, when followed by 'desu,' it is perfectly standard polite Japanese (Teineigo).
'Tanoshikatta' means the activity was fun. 'Ureshikatta' means you feel happy/honored personally.
Yes, it's very common in follow-up emails after a meeting or social event.
In a polite setting, yes. Removing it makes the phrase significantly more casual.
Yes, 'Tanoshikatta desu!' is shorter but less specific to the conversation.
It's a bit too 'light.' Better to say 'O-jikan wo itadaki, arigatou gozaimashita.'
Just say 'Tanoshikatta ne!' (It was fun, wasn't it!).
Avoid 'tanoshikatta.' Use 'O-hanashi dekite yokatta desu' (It was good to be able to talk).
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral.
