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Everyday in Japan, you hear “Ittekimasu” when someone leaves home—but it’s more than just “I’m going.” The phrase has been around since the Meiji period, evolving from the older “Itte mairimasu.” 

“Ittekimasu” is usually said to family, close friends, or people you share a space with. Unlike a simple “hello” or “goodbye,” it creates a feeling of connection: “I’m here now, but I’ll be back.” 

The words literally mean “I’m going, and I’ll come back.” Long ago, traveling could be risky, so saying this was like making a promise to return safely. The person seeing you off replies with “Itterasshai”—“Go safely and come back”—acknowledging that promise. It’s almost like a small prayer for each other’s safety. 

Even during wartime, how people used the phrase changed, showing that “Ittekimasu” carries not just routine, but care and hope for reunion. 

It’s one of those Japanese greetings that doesn’t have a direct English translation, but using it correctly can make your daily life feel warmer and more connected. 

Example : 

• Heading to work or school : “Ittekimasu!” 

• Leaving your host family’s home for the day : “Ittekimasu!”  

When someone says “Ittekimasu,” you reply with “Itterasshai.” It’s like saying “Have a good day” or “Take care!” but with a little extra warmth. It shows that you care about the person leaving and are looking forward to their safe return. 

“Itterasshai” literally means “Go and come back safely,” echoing the promise behind “Ittekimasu.” Saying it isn’t just polite—it’s a way to show attention and connection. 

You’ll hear it all the time: when a family member leaves for work, a friend heads out for errands, or even a coworker steps away for lunch. Using it correctly helps you feel part of the rhythm of Japanese home life, and it’s a small gesture that makes relationships feel closer. 

Example : 

• Your coworker leaves for their lunch break : “Itterasshai!” 

• A friend heads out for errands : “Itterasshai!”   

“Tadaima” is the greeting you use when you return home, to work, or to a place where someone is waiting for you. It comes from the longer phrase “Tadaima modorimashita,” which means “I just got back.”  

While most often used when returning home, you might sometimes hear it in stores or workplaces to mean “I’m coming right now,” so it can have a few contexts. 

In Japanese workplaces, it’s common to say “Tadaima modorimashita” when returning from an outing. This shows you’ve returned safely and is also a polite way to acknowledge your colleagues. In response, people usually say “Okaeri nasai” or “Otsukaresama desu.” 

Using “Tadaima” helps smooth daily communication and strengthens a sense of connection—whether at home or at work. 

Example : 

• Returning from shopping : “Tadaima!” 

• Coming home after work : “Tadaima!” 

“Okaeri” (or more warmly, “Okaeri nasai”) is what you say when someone comes home or back to work. It comes from the longer phrase “Yoku okaeri nasaimashita,” meaning “Welcome back safely” or “I’m glad you’ve returned.” The expression shows that you’ve been waiting, appreciate their effort, and are happy they came back safely. 

Just like “Tadaima” signals your return, saying “Okaeri” conveys care, warmth, and acknowledgment of the other person’s day. It’s more than a simple greeting—it’s a small way to show connection and respect. 

Example : 

• Your host family greets you when you get home : “Okaeri!” 

• Friends reply after you come back from school : “Okaeri!”