Short answer
“I miss you” in Japanese is 会いたい
How to say I miss you in Japanese?
How to say 'I miss you' in Japanese: the most natural way is 会いたい (あいたい, aitai), which literally means 'I want to see you.' Japanese doesn't have a verb that works exactly like English 'miss,' so people express the feeling as a desire to meet. 会いたい is casual; in polite speech say 会いたいです (あいたいです, aitai desu), and in more formal or humble situations use お会いしたいです (おあいしたいです, o ai shitai desu). If you want to say you feel lonely without someone, 寂しい (さびしい/さみしい, sabishii/samishii) is another common choice. Use these phrases with a partner, close friend, or family member when you want to show that you miss them.
Common pairings
すごく会いたい (I really miss you)会いたいな (I miss you; soft, casual)会いたくなった (I started to miss you)会いたい気持ち (the feeling of missing someone)
How to use it
- Use 会いたい as the everyday way to say “I miss you.” It is direct and warm, and it works naturally with close friends, partners, and family.
- In polite situations, add です: 会いたいです. For something more humble and formal, especially with superiors, use お会いしたいです.
- 寂しい is not exactly the same as “I miss you” because it means “I feel lonely.” It still works well with a partner or close friend, but it has a sadder, more emotional tone.
Examples
会いたい。
I miss you. / I want to see you.
Casual. Reading: あいたい (aitai). Say this to someone you're close to, like a partner, friend, or family member.
会いたいです。
I miss you. / I want to see you.
Polite. Reading: あいたいです (aitai desu). Use this in polite everyday conversation with someone you get along with, like a coworker.
寂しい。
I miss you. / I feel lonely.
Reading: さびしい/さみしい (sabishii/samishii). Say this to a loved one when you feel lonely without them.
お会いしたいです。
I would like to see you. / I miss you.
Formal and humble. Reading: おあいしたいです (o ai shitai desu). Use this with someone you respect, such as a senior colleague or teacher.
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| あなた |
あなたに会いたい。 | The verb 会う takes the particle に, not を. The person you miss is the target of the meeting, so you need に. |
| Unnatural | Natural | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 部長に会いたいです。 | 部長にお会いしたいです。 | 会いたいです is polite but still direct. With a superior, use the humble form お会いしたいです so it does not sound too forward or demanding. |
FAQ
- How to say I miss you in Japanese?Use 会いたい (aitai), which literally means “I want to see you.” For a polite version, say 会いたいです (aitai desu).
- What's the difference between 会いたい and 寂しい?会いたい expresses a wish to meet: “I want to see you.” 寂しい expresses a feeling: “I’m lonely.” Both can mean “I miss you,” but 寂しい sounds sadder and more emotional.
- Can I use 会いたい with friends and family?Yes. 会いたい is natural with people you are close to. With older people or in formal situations, use お会いしたいです to sound humble.
- How do you say “I miss you too” in Japanese?A natural reply is 私も会いたい (watashi mo aitai), meaning “I want to see you too.” In a polite situation, you can say 私も会いたいです.