Mata is a versatile word meaning both 'again' and 'also/in addition'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe repeated actions.
- Used to add information or items.
- Commonly used in casual greetings.
Overview
- 1概要：また（Mata）は、日本語で最も頻繁に使われる副詞の一つです。主に「繰り返しの動作」と「追加の要素」という二つの大きな役割を持っています。2) 使用パターン：繰り返しの意味では「もう一度」というニュアンスで動作の反復を指し、追加の意味では「さらに」「加えて」という接続詞的な役割も持ちます。文末に置いて「～また」とすると、相手への挨拶や文の締めくくりにもなります。3) 一般的な文脈：友人間での「また明日！」という挨拶から、ビジネスメールでの「また、ご不明な点がございましたら～」といった丁寧な表現まで、あらゆる場面で使用可能です。4) 類語との比較：「もう一度」は動作の再試行に特化していますが、「また」は再試行だけでなく、単なる追加や並列の意味も含むため、より汎用性が高い言葉です。
Examples
また明日。
everydaySee you again tomorrow.
また、ご不明な点がございましたらご連絡ください。
formalAlso, please contact us if you have any questions.
また失敗してしまった。
informalI failed again.
また、このデータは以下の通りです。
academicFurthermore, this data is as follows.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
またね
See ya!
また来週
See you next week
またお会いしましょう
Let's meet again
Often Confused With
Refers strictly to repeating an action. 'Mata' is broader and includes addition.
Used more in formal or written contexts to add information. 'Mata' is more conversational.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Mata is highly versatile and fits almost any register. Use it at the start of a sentence for 'furthermore' or before a verb for 'again'. It is essential for natural-sounding Japanese conversation.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'mata' when they should use 'mou ichido' for specific requests to repeat an action. While understandable, 'mou ichido' is more precise for instructions. Avoid starting every sentence with 'mata' in writing.
Tips
Use it for both repetition and addition
Remember that 'mata' works like 'again' and 'also'. It is one of the most useful words for connecting sentences.
Avoid overuse in formal writing
While common, using 'mata' too frequently in formal essays can sound repetitive. Try using 'sara ni' or 'kuaete' as alternatives.
Casual farewells
Saying 'Mata ne!' is the standard way to say 'See you!' among friends. It implies a friendly, ongoing relationship.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Japanese origins, it has been used since ancient times to indicate recurrence. It evolved from a particle-like usage to a fully functional adverb.
Cultural Context
The word is central to Japanese social interaction, where maintaining ongoing relationships is key. 'Mata' implies that there will be a future interaction, which is a positive social cue.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Mata' as a 'Match'—the second time you light it, it's 'again'. It's also a 'Match' that connects two ideas together!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「もう一度」は動作をやり直すことに焦点があります。「また」は再開や追加など、より広い意味で使われます。
「また」そのものはカジュアルですが、後ろに「ご連絡いたします」などを続けることで丁寧な表現になります。
文頭に置く場合は「さらに」「加えて」という接続詞的な意味になり、新しい情報を付け加える際に使います。
はい、「また失敗した」のように否定的な内容を繰り返す際にも問題なく使用できます。
Test Yourself
明日、___来てください。
明日も来るという繰り返しの動作を表すため「また」が適切です。
「また雨が降ってきた」の「また」の意味は？
雨が以前も降ったという事実の再来を指しているためです。
（明日 / 会い / また / ましょう）
「また」は動詞の直前や文頭に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Mata is a versatile word meaning both 'again' and 'also/in addition'.
- Used to describe repeated actions.
- Used to add information or items.
- Commonly used in casual greetings.
Use it for both repetition and addition
Remember that 'mata' works like 'again' and 'also'. It is one of the most useful words for connecting sentences.
Avoid overuse in formal writing
While common, using 'mata' too frequently in formal essays can sound repetitive. Try using 'sara ni' or 'kuaete' as alternatives.
Casual farewells
Saying 'Mata ne!' is the standard way to say 'See you!' among friends. It implies a friendly, ongoing relationship.
Examples
4 of 4また明日。
See you again tomorrow.
また、ご不明な点がございましたらご連絡ください。
Also, please contact us if you have any questions.
また失敗してしまった。
I failed again.
また、このデータは以下の通りです。
Furthermore, this data is as follows.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
