Wondering when and how to use the phrases いってきます (ittekimasu), いってらっしゃい (itterasshai), ただいま (Tadaima), おかえりなさい (okaerinasai)? These common and deeply cultural Japanese expressions used during everyday departures and arrivals, said between the person who welcomes the other.
These are fixed expressions and part of daily etiquette in Japan, from children when going to or returning from school to coworkers when they are announcing their departure from the office to visit a client. The exchange feels natural and culturally warm, emphasizing mutual care and presence. But when should you use them, and how do you make it sound natural? Read our full guide below!
How to Use Ittekimasu and Itterasshai
1. Ittekimasu
The phrase “Ittekimasu” is typically used by a Japanese person when they are about to leave somewhere, such as from the office.
Grammatically, it combines the verbs 行く (iku), meaning “to go,” and 来る (kuru), meaning “to come,” into the compound form 行ってくる (itte kuru), which literally means “go and come back.” The polite form of this is 行ってきます (itte kimasu). This structure follows the pattern of 〜てくる, which is often used to express doing something and then returning, or a change that occurs and reaches the speaker. For example, “学校に行ってくる” means “I’m going to school and will come back.”
The closest literal translation would be “I’ll go and I’ll come back”. But a more natural translation is something like “see you later”.
2. Itterashai
The remaining people at home or in the office then reply to the person leaving with: “Itterasshai”. Itteshai in Japanese literally means “please go and come back”. The phrase is also close to “see you later”, “have a good day”, or “take care,” but none of those expressions truly express the spirit behind the word.
“Ittekimasu” expresses that “I will be going now, but do not worry, I will safely return” while “Itterasshai” indicates that “You will be leaving soon, but please do come back safely”.
Example 1:
Toshio-kun: I am going to buy ice cream.
Mika-san: Nice! Thank you!
Toshio-kun: I am going! (“I am going and I will come back”)
Mika-san: See you later! (“Please go and come back”)
としおくん：アイスを買いに行きます。
みかさん：ナイス！ありがとう！
としおくん：いってきます！
みかさん：いってらっしゃい！
Example 2:
Mika-san: Mum, I am going out now!
Mum: Mika, where are you going?
Mika-san: Watching a movie with my friend. I am a bit late, so bye bye! I am going!
Mum: See you later, be careful!
みかさん：お母さん、いってきます！
お母さん：みかさん、どこ行くの？
みかさん：友達と映画を見に行く。ちょっと遅れているから、バイバイ！いってきます。
お母さん：はい、いってらしゃい、気をつけてね！
“Ittekimasu” is not a simple goodbye and should not be employed as such. It implies that you will return to the place you are leaving. Hence, the “Itterasshai” as a reply implies that the other party is waiting for your return.
Although there is no absolute rule, most of the time ,”Ittekimasu” comes first. Exchanging these two terms emit a strong and warm feeling of returning back safely to the place where one belongs.
How to Use Tadaima and Okaerinasai
Similar to the “Ittekimasu” and “Itterasshai”, the two phrases that go hand-in-hand, “Tadaima” and “Okaerinasai” or “Okaeri express one’s safe return.
Literally, the word “tadaima” means “right now”. However, in this specific context, it is a condensed version of “Tadaima Kaerimashita,” which translates to “I came home right now”.
As for the polite version; “Okaerinasai” means “welcome home” or “welcome back”.
These two lovely phrases express the feelings of “I am back, safely” and “You have finally returned, welcome back”. It gives one a warm feeling that someone has been waiting for one’s safe return.
1. Tadaima
Tadaima is by the person who is returning home, to the office, or to a familiar place after being away. It’s a short form of ただいま帰りました (“I have just come back”).
2. Okaerinasai
Okaerinasai is said to the person returning, often in response to “ただいま.” It expresses warmth and acknowledgment of their return. The casual form is おかえり (okaeri).
Example 1:
Toshio has returned with two cones of ice cream…
Toshio: I am back! I have bought Vanilla ice cream.
Mika-san: Welcome back! Thank you Toshio~
としお：ただいま！バニラアイス買った！
みかさん：おかえりなさい！ありがとう。
Example 2:
Mika-san: I am home!
Mum: Welcome home! Was it fun?
Mika-san: Yes!
みかさん：ただいま！
お母さん：おかえり。楽しかったの？
みかさん：はい！
Altogether, “Ittekimasu”, “Itterasshai”, “Tadaima”, and “Okaeri” are four beautiful Japanese expressions that are exchanged between the Japanese people on a day-to-day basis.
Having now understood the rich meaning behind these four phrases, are you ready to use them? If you want to learn more about daily Japanese, please check out the Japanese Courses offered by Coto Japanese Academy
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FAQ
What does "Ittekimasu" mean and when is it used?
“Ittekimasu” (いってきます) is a phrase used by individuals when they are about to leave a place, such as home or the office. It literally translates to “I’ll go, and I’ll come back,” conveying the message “I am going now, but I will return safely.” It’s similar to saying “See you later” in English.
How should one respond to "Ittekimasu"?
The appropriate response to “Ittekimasu” is “Itterasshai” (いってらっしゃい), which literally means “Please go and come back.” This phrase expresses the sentiment, “You will be leaving soon, but please do come back safely.” It’s like saying “Have a good day” or “Take care” in English.
What is the meaning of "Tadaima" and when is it used?
“Tadaima” (ただいま) is a phrase used by individuals upon returning home or to a familiar place. It translates to “I am back” or “I’m home,” signaling one’s return.
How should one respond to "Tadaima"?
The customary response to “Tadaima” is “Okaerinasai” (おかえりなさい), meaning “welcome back.” It acknowledges and greets the person returning home.
Can "Ittekimasu" and "Itterasshai" be used in professional settings?
Yes, in professional settings, when leaving the office for a short period, such as running an errand or going for lunch, employees might use “Ittekimasu” or the more formal “Itte mairimasu” (行って参ります). Colleagues typically respond with “Itterasshai” or the formal “Itterasshaimase” (いってらっしゃいませ).
Yes, other related phrases include:
“Konbanwa” (こんばんは): Used to say “good evening.”
“Ohayou gozaimasu” (おはようございます): Used to say “good morning.”
“Konnichiwa” (こんにちは): Used to say “good afternoon” or “hello.