Meaning
A casual way to say 'see you next time' or 'maybe another time'.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'Tatemae' (public behavior). It allows people to reject offers without the social friction of a direct 'No'. In business, 'Mata kondo' is often replaced by 'Mata no kikai ni'. It signals that while the current proposal isn't working, the relationship is still valued. In Kyoto, indirectness is an art form. 'Mata kondo' might be used even more subtly here, sometimes meaning 'Please leave now' in very specific contexts. Younger generations use 'Mata kondo' frequently on social media (LINE, Twitter) with stamps/emojis to soften the impact of being busy.
The 'Soft No' Detector
If someone says 'Mata kondo' without suggesting a specific day, don't push for one. It's a sign they are busy or not interested.
Don't use with Bosses
It's too casual for your superiors. Stick to 'Mata no kikai ni' to stay safe.
Meaning
A casual way to say 'see you next time' or 'maybe another time'.
The 'Soft No' Detector
If someone says 'Mata kondo' without suggesting a specific day, don't push for one. It's a sign they are busy or not interested.
Don't use with Bosses
It's too casual for your superiors. Stick to 'Mata no kikai ni' to stay safe.
The 'Ne' Factor
Adding 'ne' at the end (Mata kondo ne!) makes you sound much more friendly and natural.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the correct casual phrase.
A: {明日|あした}、カラオケに{行|い}かない？ B: ごめん、{明日|あした}は{忙|いそが}しいから、___。
'Mata kondo' is the natural way to decline an invitation casually.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase is best for declining a formal business invitation?
'Mata no kikai ni' is the formal version of 'Mata kondo'.
Choose the most natural response for a friend saying goodbye.
Friend: 「じゃあ、{帰|かえ}るね。バイバイ！」 You: 「うん、___！」
In a casual goodbye, 'Mata kondo' (See you next time) is very common.
What does 'Mata kondo' usually mean when someone declines a date without suggesting a new time?
In Japanese culture, this is a common 'soft no'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: {明日|あした}、カラオケに{行|い}かない？ B: ごめん、{明日|あした}は{忙|いそが}しいから、___。
'Mata kondo' is the natural way to decline an invitation casually.
Which phrase is best for declining a formal business invitation?
'Mata no kikai ni' is the formal version of 'Mata kondo'.
Friend: 「じゃあ、{帰|かえ}るね。バイバイ！」 You: 「うん、___！」
In a casual goodbye, 'Mata kondo' (See you next time) is very common.
In Japanese culture, this is a common 'soft no'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot always! With close friends, it often literally means 'let's do this again'. Context and your relationship are key.
Yes, in a casual email to a friend. For business, use 'Mata no kikai ni'.
No, it's actually a very polite way to decline. It's much more polite than just saying 'No' or 'I can't'.
'Mata ne' is just 'See ya'. 'Mata kondo' specifically mentions 'next time', making it better for invitations.
Related Phrases
またね
similarSee ya / See you again
またの{機会|きかい}に
specialized formOn another occasion
また{明日|あした}
similarSee you tomorrow
また{後|あと}で
similarSee you later (today)
