Ittekimasu (行ってきます) is one of the first phrases you learn in Japanese, but it is rarely just a simple ‘goodbye.’ Translated literally as ‘I will go and come back,’ it carries a deep cultural weight of safety, responsibility, and the expectation of return. It is the cornerstone of the Japanese daily ritual of departing home or the office.
When I first moved to Tokyo, I made the mistake of treating Ittekimasu like a casual ‘see ya.’ I would shout it out the door while rushing to catch the train, barely registering the response. It wasn’t until I lived with a host family that I understood the rhythm. My host mother wouldn’t just say ‘Itterasshai’; she would wait, ensure I had my bag, and look me in the eye. That interaction wasn’t just checking a box—it was a silent contract that I would return safely.
In Japanese culture, home and work are seen as circles of belonging. By saying Ittekimasu, you are acknowledging that you are leaving that circle temporarily, but the intention is always to return. This is why you never say Sayonara to your family in the morning; Sayonara implies a finality that feels ominous in a daily context.
For more insights on how these daily interactions build social harmony, check out our guide on Kizuna: Understanding the Unbreakable Bonds that Hold Japan Together.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
- Using it at the wrong time: Ittekimasu is for leaving a place you intend to return to within the day. Using it when leaving for a week-long trip can sound confusing.
- The ‘Silence’ Error: Many foreigners leave their share-house or office without saying anything. In Japan, even if you are the only one in the room, it is polite to announce your departure to the empty air. It signals your movement to the space.
- Confusing the response: Never reply to Ittekimasu with another Ittekimasu. The correct response from the person staying behind is Itterasshai (Please go and come back).
Person A (Leaving): Ittekimasu!
Person B (Staying): Itterasshai! Ki wo tsukete ne. (Go and come back! Take care.)
Slang and Variations
While Ittekimasu is standard, you will hear variations depending on the relationship. Between close friends, it might be shortened to a quick Itteku!. In a very stiff, formal business environment, you might hear Itte mairimasu—the humble, polite form that shows your boss you are heading out to represent the company.
Pro-Tip: If you are working in a Japanese office, you shouldn’t just say Ittekimasu. You should clarify *where* you are going. For example: ‘Eigyou ni itte mairimasu’ (I am heading out for sales/business matters). This adds a layer of professionalism and transparency that your supervisor will appreciate.
Understanding these small linguistic cues is vital for navigating social nuance. If you find yourself needing to master the art of knowing when to end a conversation or leave a gathering gracefully, don’t miss our deep dive into Sorosoro: The Japanese Art of Knowing When to Leave. It pairs perfectly with the philosophy behind Ittekimasu—always leaving, but always with the social grace to maintain connections.
Ultimately, Ittekimasu is about the comfort of routine. In a culture that values order and stability, this small phrase serves as the glue that keeps the daily cycle moving, ensuring that no departure is ever treated as the end.
