How to Say "I Miss You" in Japanese
The usual way to say "I miss you" in Japanese is 会いたいです (aitai desu), literally "I want to see you." 寂しいです (sabishii desu) also works when the feeling is more "I'm lonely without you."
The most common way
aitai desu
I miss you; I want to see you. This is the standard, generally applicable way to express that you feel someone's absence.
How to say it: Say it as ah-ee-tah-ee deh-soo, with four clear beats in 会いたい; don't squash it into "eye-tie," and keep the す in です soft.
Other ways to say it
- casual
aitai
I miss you; a direct, casual way to say "I want to see you."
When to use it: Use with close friends, a partner, or family in everyday conversation or texts.
- soft / wistful
aitai na
I miss you, said with a soft, wistful tone; the な makes it sound like a little sigh.
When to use it: Use with someone close when you want a warmer, less blunt tone, especially in texts or relaxed speech.
- polite
o-ai shitai desu
I would like to see you; respectful and formal rather than romantic.
When to use it: Use with a superior, client, or acquaintance in a formal situation, not usually for a romantic "miss you."
- romantic / intense
aitakute tamaranai
I miss you so much I can't stand it; a strong, emotional expression of longing.
When to use it: Use with a partner or very close person when you want to express intense longing.
- lonely
sabishii desu
I'm lonely; I miss you. It focuses on the empty feeling of being apart rather than directly saying "I want to see you."
When to use it: Use when you're apart from someone close and want to say you feel their absence, softer than a direct "I want to see you."
In a conversation
- A
。。
Hisashiburi. Aitai na.
Long time no see. I miss you.
- B
。。
Watashi mo. Aitai.
Me too. I miss you.
- A
？
Kondo itsu aeru?
When can we meet next?
Common mistakes
あなたを会いたい→ あなたに会いたい会う takes に for the person you meet or see, not を.
会いたいでした→ 会いたかったです会いたい is an い-adjective, so its past form is 会いたかったです, not 会いたいでした.