Meaning
A casual farewell used when expecting to meet someone again the next day.
Cultural Background
The avoidance of 'Sayonara' in daily life is a key cultural trait. 'Mata ashita' is preferred because it implies the relationship is ongoing. There is a ritual called '帰りの会' (kaeri no kai - end of day meeting) where students collectively say goodbye. 'Mata ashita' is the heart of this ritual. While 'Mata ashita' is used between peers, the phrase 'O-saki ni shitsurei shimasu' (I'm leaving before you) is the mandatory formal counterpart. Japanese social media users often use 'また明日' as a way to signal they are logging off for the night, creating a sense of community with followers.
The 'Ne' Factor
Add a small 'ne' at the end to sound 10x more natural and friendly.
Hierarchy Check
If the person is your boss, stick to 'O-saki ni shitsurei shimasu' even if you're best buddies.
Meaning
A casual farewell used when expecting to meet someone again the next day.
The 'Ne' Factor
Add a small 'ne' at the end to sound 10x more natural and friendly.
Hierarchy Check
If the person is your boss, stick to 'O-saki ni shitsurei shimasu' even if you're best buddies.
The Wave
In Japan, a small hand wave often accompanies this phrase. Keep your palm facing the person and move your hand side-to-side.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate farewell to say to your classmate as you leave school.
学校が終わりました。友達に何と言いますか？
'Mata ashita' is the standard casual farewell for friends you'll see the next day.
Complete the sentence to say 'See you tomorrow' casually.
じゃあ、＿＿＿＿明日ね！
'Mata' means 'again' and is the first part of the phrase.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Who should you say 'Mata ashita' to?
It's an informal phrase for people of equal or lower status.
Complete the LINE conversation.
A: 今日は楽しかったね！ B: うん！＿＿＿＿＿＿。
If they had fun today and are likely to talk tomorrow, 'Mata ashita' is the perfect sign-off.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Mata Ashita'
Safe
- • Friends
- • Classmates
- • Coworkers (Peers)
- • Family
Unsafe
- • Boss
- • Teachers
- • Clients
- • Strangers
Practice Bank
4 exercises学校が終わりました。友達に何と言いますか？
'Mata ashita' is the standard casual farewell for friends you'll see the next day.
じゃあ、＿＿＿＿明日ね！
'Mata' means 'again' and is the first part of the phrase.
Who should you say 'Mata ashita' to?
It's an informal phrase for people of equal or lower status.
A: 今日は楽しかったね！ B: うん！＿＿＿＿＿＿。
If they had fun today and are likely to talk tomorrow, 'Mata ashita' is the perfect sign-off.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. It's too casual. Use 'Shitsurei shimasu' or 'Mata ashita yoroshiku onegaishimasu' for a polite version.
Socially, yes. Until you sleep, the next day is 'Ashita'. If it's 1 AM, you still say 'Mata ashita' to mean 'when we wake up'.
Only in very casual emails to friends. In business, it's almost never used.
'Mata ashita' is specific to tomorrow. 'Mata ne' is a general 'see you' for any time.
Yes, in very casual speech among close friends, 'Ashita!' is common.
Only if you have a reason to see them tomorrow (e.g., you both agreed to meet). Otherwise, it's weird.
Simply say 'Mata ashita!' or 'Mata ne!' back.
Yes: 'Mata ashita o-ai shimashou', but it's rarely used in speech.
The 'ne' adds a layer of friendliness and confirmation, making it sound warmer.
Yes, 'Ashita' covers the entire 24-hour period of the next day.
Related Phrases
またね
similarSee ya / See you again
じゃあね
similarBye / Well then
さようなら
contrastGoodbye
おやすみなさい
builds onGoodnight
