Mata kondo (また今度) is a staple of Japanese social interaction. Literally translating to ‘another time,’ it is often misunderstood by foreigners as a firm plan. In reality, it is a versatile phrase that acts as a buffer between social desire and logistical reality.
When I first moved to Tokyo, I was convinced that every time a colleague or acquaintance said ‘Mata kondo nomini ikimashou’ (let’s go for a drink another time), they were opening their calendar to schedule an event. I would pull out my phone, ready to set a date, only to see the look of mild panic or polite hesitation cross their face. That was my first lesson in the Japanese social art of tatemae (public face) versus honne (true feelings).
The phrase Mata kondo is rarely about a specific future appointment. Instead, it is an essential tool for maintaining social harmony. It allows two people to close a conversation on a positive, hopeful note without the immediate pressure of commitment. If you are learning the ropes of living in Japan, you should check out how to properly express gratitude at Kansha Shimasu: More Than ‘Thank You’—A Local’s Guide to Expressing Gratitude in Japan to soften your interactions.
The Nuance of ‘Mata kondo’
Context is everything. If you are speaking with a close friend, ‘Mata kondo’ is a warm promise. If you are speaking with a new acquaintance, a distant relative, or a client, it is a way to politely decline an immediate invitation while keeping the door open for future, albeit vague, interaction.
Pro-Tip: If someone says ‘Mata kondo’ to you and you genuinely want to see them again, follow up with a specific suggestion: ‘Mata kondo! Raishuu no kinyoubi wa dou desu ka?’ (Next time! How about next Friday?). If they offer another vague ‘another time’ or ‘it’s a bit busy,’ take the hint—they are politely declining.
Foreigner: ‘Mata kondo asobimashou!’ (Let’s hang out next time!)
Local (who is unavailable): ‘Ee, mata kondo zehi!’ (Yes, definitely next time!)
Note how the ‘zehi’ (by all means) adds a layer of enthusiasm that helps mask the lack of a concrete plan. This is a classic example of keeping the relationship comfortable.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
The biggest mistake is taking Mata kondo literally. Pressing for a date immediately can be seen as atsu-gamashii (pushy). If you are struggling with the social boundaries of Japanese life, you might find more context in my guide on Atsu-gamashii Meaning: Navigating the Delicate Line of Being ‘Pushy’ in Japan.
Another pitfall is using it too often with superiors. In a business context, if a boss says ‘Mata kondo’ regarding a project proposal, it is often a soft ‘no’ or ‘not right now.’ Pushing for a specific answer after they have said this can disrupt the flow of the conversation.
Slang and Variations
While Mata kondo is standard, you will hear variations depending on the level of closeness:
- Mata ne: The casual, everyday ‘see ya.’
- Jaa, mata: Slightly more abrupt, often used when you will definitely see them again soon.
- Itsuka ne: This implies a much longer timeframe—’someday.’ It is even vaguer than Mata kondo and is almost exclusively a way to defer indefinitely.
By mastering when to use these phrases and, more importantly, when to accept them as a polite ‘no,’ you will navigate Japanese social waters with much greater ease. Remember: in Japan, what is left unsaid is often just as important as the words themselves.
