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How to Say ‘But I was glad you talked to me.’ in Japanese

でも、声をかけてもらえて嬉しかったです。

de mo koe o kake te morae te ureshikatsu ta desu

[deh moh koh-eh oh KAH-keh teh mo-ra-e teh oo-REH-shee-kat tah dess]

💬 Usage Tip: 〜てもらえて (te moraete) frames their action as a favor you received, which is why it sounds warm and grateful. Swap the verb to reuse it: 来てもらえて嬉しかったです "I was glad you came."

🇯🇵 In Japan: Starting with でも "but" usually means you're turning someone down gently or wrapping up. Thanking them for approaching you lets them leave without losing face.

Phrase Breakdown

でも、声をかけてもらえて

de mo koe o kake te morae te

But, that you spoke to me...

でも means 'but'. 声をかけてもらえて means 'having you speak to me', said with gratitude.

Example

でも、誘ってもらえて良かったです。

But I'm glad you invited me.

Words in this phrase

で

[deh]

but (part of でも)

First part of でも, meaning 'but; however' at sentence start.

Example

でも、楽しかった。

But it was fun.

も

[moh]

but (part of でも)

Second part of でも, 'however'.

Example

でも大丈夫です。

But it's okay.

声

koe

[koh-eh]

voice

Refers to someone's voice or vocal tone.

Example

その声、本当に声がすてきですね。

That voice is really lovely.

を

[oh]

object marker

The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.

Example

チケットを二枚ください。

Two tickets, please.

かけ

kake

[KAH-keh]

to call out (in 声をかける)

Stem of かける; with 声 it means to approach and speak to someone.

Example

先生に声をかけた。

I spoke to the teacher.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

もらえ

morae

[mo-ra-e]

receive (benefit)

To obtain or get something, usually a service or information.

Example

説明をもらえますか？

Can I receive an explanation?

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

嬉しかったです。

ureshikatsu ta desu

made me happy.

This is the polite past form of 嬉しい, 'happy'.

Example

会えて嬉しかったです。

I was happy to meet you.

Words in this phrase

嬉しかっ

ureshikatsu

[oo-REH-shee-kat]

was happy

Past stem of 嬉しい, glad or happy.

Example

会えて嬉しかった。

I was happy to meet you.

た

[tah]

past tense ending

This ending completes the polite past tense form.

Example

空席がございました。

There were vacant seats.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

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