ではまた

also: じゃあまた · じゃまた

Meanings

abbreviation

Casual parting phrase, often used in conversation and informal correspondence. Abbreviation of ではまた会いましょう or similar. The では/じゃ part can be dropped in very casual settings.

じゃあまた、明日あしたね。
See you tomorrow!
ではまた、後あとで連れん絡らくします。
Talk to you later, I'll contact you later.

Related words

さようならN4
さようなら is a more formal, often final-sounding goodbye, while ではまた is casual and implies you expect to meet again soon.
またね
またね is even more casual and friendly, typically used among close friends or children, whereas ではまた is a slightly more neutral casual farewell.
バイバイN2
バイバイ is a playful, borrowed English-style farewell often used with kids or close friends, while ではまた sounds a bit more adult and neutral.

Politeness

失しつ礼れいしますpolite 丁寧語N5
失礼します is the polite way to say goodbye, such as when leaving work or ending a business call, whereas ではまた is casual and used with friends or peers.

Written forms

じゃあまた
More casual spoken variant, often used among friends.
じゃまた
Very casual, clipped form; common in informal speech and messaging.

Etymology

Abbreviation of a phrase like ではまた会いましょう (well then, let's meet again). The では (or casual じゃ) means 'well then', and また means 'again'.