Ittekimasu and Itterasshai
Tadaima and Okaerinasai
These 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) embody the Japanese spirit so well that once you grasp the nuance of their meaning, you will definitely have a deeper understanding of the Japanese culture.
Although the words can be translated into English, the Japanese spirit and nuance behind them are lost, for the most part, during the translation process.
Ittekimasu and Itterasshai
The phrase “Ittekimasu”, is typically used by a Japanese when they are about to leave somewhere, such as from the or office.
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”.
The remaining people at home or in the office then reply to the person leaving with: “Itterasshai”. Literally meaning “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.
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.
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！
Literally, “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”. “Okaeri”. 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.
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
FAQ
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Study Japanese with us and learn more Expressions like Ittekimasu!
Want to study Japanese with us?
Click to tweet this article!
Other similar phrases that you could use is “Osaki ni shitsureshimasu” and “Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu“. Find out more by clicking on the individual phrases!
Looking to learn more Fun & Easy Japanese? – please read Nihongo Fun & Easy – written by Teachers from Coto Japanese Academy