Definition: Itterasshai (行ってらっしゃい) is a polite expression meaning ‘please go and come back.’ While commonly used between family members, its application in the workplace acts as an essential social lubricant that reinforces team unity and individual support.
If you have ever spent a morning in a traditional Japanese office or a tight-knit startup, you have likely heard the chorus of voices chiming ‘Itterasshai!’ as a colleague heads out for a sales call or a site visit. To an outsider, it might sound like a simple ‘goodbye,’ but in the ecosystem of Japanese business, it is a strategic assertion of shared responsibility.
When you say ‘Itterasshai’ to a teammate, you aren’t just saying ‘bye.’ You are subconsciously communicating: ‘We are part of the same base, and I look forward to your safe return and the successful results you bring back.’ It sets the tone for a collaborative culture, which I’ve discussed in depth in our guide on Aisatsu in Japanese Business.
Unlike Western ‘Have a nice day,’ which is often transactional, Itterasshai is rooted in the Japanese concept of the home-base. Even in a corporate setting, the office acts as the ‘home’ from which the ‘warrior’ departs to face the market. Recognizing this nuance is key to mastering the social architecture of your team. You can find more on fostering these deep professional connections in our article on Gachi-kankei in Japanese Business.
Pro-Tip for Expats: Never use ‘Itterasshai’ toward a superior (Bucho, Shacho). It is inherently condescending when directed upward, as it implies you are ‘sending them off’ like a subordinate. Reserve this for peers or juniors. For superiors, stick to ‘Itterasshai-mase’ (only in retail contexts) or standard professional farewells like ‘O-ki wo tsukete itte irasshai-mase.’
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
The most common blunder I see is the ‘Universal Goodbye.’ Many expats use ‘Itterasshai’ indiscriminately. Because it carries that ‘home-to-home’ weight, using it with a high-ranking client or a CEO is a classic cultural faux pas. Another mistake is forgetting the ‘Itterasshai’ for those returning to the office. If a colleague is going to a meeting, use it. If they are just stepping out for a smoke break? Don’t. You only use it for meaningful departures.
Slang Variations and Regional Nuances
In ultra-casual, young-tech environments, you might hear a shortened ‘Itte-ra!’ (行ってら！). While convenient, steer clear of this in the office. It sounds overly juvenile, almost like you’re talking to a close childhood friend. Sticking to the full ‘Itterasshai’ ensures you maintain the professional distance required to be taken seriously as a business partner while still being seen as a reliable, integrated team member.
Colleague A: ‘Meeting with the client now. Wish me luck.’
Colleague B: ‘Itterasshai! Let us know how it goes!’
This simple exchange reinforces that while the individual does the heavy lifting, the entire team is rooting for the outcome. It is a subtle but powerful way to build your ‘professional home’ in Japan.
