行きます

The Japanese word 行きます (ikimasu) is one of the most fundamental verbs in the Japanese language, primarily translated as 'to go.' However, its usage is governed by a specific perspective that differs slightly from the English 'go.' In Japanese, ikimasu specifically describes movement directed away from the speaker's current location or the current point of reference. This is a crucial distinction for English speakers who might use 'come' in situations where a Japanese speaker would strictly use ikimasu. For example, if a friend calls and asks you to come to their party, in English you might say, 'I'm coming!' In Japanese, because you are moving away from your current location toward a destination, you must say ikimasu. This focus on the 'away-from-speaker' trajectory is the cornerstone of mastering the word.

Grammatical Form

This is the polite non-past form of the verb iku (行く). It is used in daily conversation with acquaintances, teachers, and colleagues to maintain a respectful tone.

Beyond physical movement, ikimasu is used to describe the progression of time, the flow of events, or even the functioning of machines. When a project is 'going well,' or when someone 'goes' through life, this verb provides the structural backbone for expressing that transition. It is categorized as a Group 1 (U-verb or Godan) verb, which means its conjugation follows a specific pattern where the final 'u' sound of the dictionary form shifts to an 'i' sound before adding the polite suffix -masu. This transformation from iku to ikimasu is one of the first grammatical hurdles for beginners, but once understood, it opens the door to hundreds of similar verbs.

In social contexts, ikimasu is deeply embedded in Japanese etiquette. The phrase 'ittekimasu' (I am going and coming back) is a standard greeting used when leaving home. It acknowledges the act of departure while promising a return, reflecting the Japanese cultural emphasis on group cohesion and social harmony. Furthermore, the verb can be combined with other verbs in the 'te-form' to indicate a sequence of actions, such as 'kaimononi itte, gohan wo tabemasu' (I will go shopping and then eat). This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for any learner aiming for A2 proficiency and beyond.

To reach the 600-word depth, we must also consider the kanji used for this word: 行. This character depicts a crossroads, symbolizing a path or a way. This visual history reinforces the meaning of following a route or moving along a trajectory. In modern Japanese, while the kanji is often written, the polite -masu form is frequently seen in textbooks and formal signage. Understanding the nuances of ikimasu involves recognizing that it isn't just about legs moving; it's about the intention to reach a goal, the transition from one state to another, and the polite acknowledgment of one's place in the physical and social world. Whether you are going to school, going to work, or your computer is going to start up, ikimasu is the engine of Japanese movement.

Using 行きます (ikimasu) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese sentence structure, specifically the 'Subject-Object-Verb' (SOV) order. In most basic sentences, the subject (who is going) is followed by the destination (where they are going), then the particle indicating direction, and finally the verb. For example, 'Watashi wa gakkou ni ikimasu' (I go to school). Often, the subject 'Watashi wa' is omitted if it is clear from context, which is a hallmark of natural Japanese speech. This omission makes the sentence 'Gakkou ni ikimasu' perfectly valid and common.

Particle Usage

The particle 'ni' (に) focuses on the destination as a specific point, while 'he' (へ) emphasizes the direction or the journey toward that point. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

To express the means of transportation, the particle 'de' (で) is used. If you are going by train, you say 'Densha de ikimasu.' If you are going on foot, you use the special expression 'Aruite ikimasu.' This allows for complex sentences that describe not just the destination, but the method of travel. Furthermore, ikimasu can be conjugated into the negative form ikimasen (do not go), the past form ikimashita (went), and the past negative form ikimasen deshita (did not go). These variations are essential for describing schedules, past trips, or declining invitations politely.

Another important usage is the 'purpose of going' construction. By taking the stem of a verb (the part before -masu) and adding 'ni ikimasu,' you can express why you are going somewhere. For instance, 'Tabe ni ikimasu' means 'I am going to eat.' This is a very common way to describe daily activities. 'Kaimono ni ikimasu' (I am going shopping) uses a noun 'kaimono' (shopping) directly with the particle 'ni' to show purpose. This pattern is vital for A2 level learners as it allows for much more descriptive and useful communication than simple movement sentences.

Finally, let's look at how ikimasu interacts with time markers. Words like 'mainichi' (every day), 'ashita' (tomorrow), or 'kuji ni' (at 9 o'clock) are placed at the beginning of the sentence or before the destination. 'Mainichi gakkou ni ikimasu' (I go to school every day) demonstrates a habitual action. Because Japanese verbs do not distinguish between the simple present and the future tense, ikimasu can mean both 'I go' and 'I will go,' depending on the context or the time words used. This flexibility simplifies the language once you get used to relying on context clues. In summary, mastering ikimasu is about connecting the 'who,' 'where,' 'how,' 'why,' and 'when' of movement into a cohesive, polite Japanese sentence.

In Japan, you will hear 行きます (ikimasu) and its variations constantly, from the moment you step into a train station to the casual conversations in a neighborhood cafe. At train stations, announcements often use the honorific version of the word, but signs and basic information desks will use ikimasu to explain routes. For example, a staff member might say, 'Kono densha wa Shinjuku ni ikimasu' (This train goes to Shinjuku). This is a vital phrase for travelers navigating the complex Japanese rail system.

Daily Greetings

The set phrase 'Ittekimasu' (行ってきます) is used every morning by millions of people as they leave their homes. It literally means 'I will go and come back.'

In the workplace, ikimasu is used to inform colleagues of your movements. If you are heading to a meeting room, you might say, 'Kaigishitsu ni ikimasu.' If you are going out for lunch, 'Lunch ni ikimasu' is standard. The polite -masu form is appropriate here as it maintains the necessary professional distance and respect. You will also hear it in shops when a clerk is going to check the stock for you: 'Soko ni itte mimasu' (I will go there and see/check). This shows that the verb is not just for long distances but for any purposeful movement from point A to point B.

On television, particularly in travel shows or news reports, ikimasu is used to transition between segments. A reporter might say, 'Tsugi wa, Hokkaido ni ikimasu!' (Next, we are going to Hokkaido!). In anime and dramas, the informal iku is more common among friends, but ikimasu remains the standard for characters speaking to elders or in formal settings. It's a word that bridges the gap between the mundane (going to the bathroom) and the exciting (going on a world tour). Even in sports, a coach might shout 'Ike!' (the imperative form, 'Go!') to encourage an athlete, showing the word's deep roots in action and momentum.

Finally, in the digital age, you'll see ikimasu on apps and websites. A button for 'Proceed' or 'Next' might occasionally use the logic of iku. When checking directions on Google Maps in Japanese, the app will frequently use terminology related to ikimasu to guide you toward your destination. It is a word that truly permeates every layer of Japanese life, from traditional rituals to modern technology. By listening for the 'iku' root in various contexts, you'll start to realize just how central the concept of 'going' is to the Japanese worldview of movement and progress.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 行きます (ikimasu) is the 'I'm coming' error. In English, if a friend says 'Come over to my house,' you reply 'I'm coming!' using the verb 'come' because you are moving toward the person you are talking to. However, in Japanese, the choice between ikimasu (go) and kimasu (come) depends entirely on the speaker's current location. Since you are moving away from where you are now to get to your friend's house, you MUST use ikimasu. Saying 'Kimasu!' in this context would sound like you are already at the destination or are somehow appearing out of thin air.

Particle Confusion

Learners often use the particle 'wo' (を) with ikimasu, but 'wo' is for direct objects. Movement verbs usually require 'ni' or 'he'. You don't 'go a school'; you 'go TO a school.'

Another common pitfall is the misuse of the 'te-form' plus ikimasu. While 'tabete ikimasu' means 'I will eat and then go,' some beginners try to use it to mean 'I am going to eat' (purpose), which should actually be 'tabe ni ikimasu.' The difference between the -te form (sequence) and the stem+ni (purpose) is a frequent source of confusion. Additionally, students often forget that ikimasu is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. You cannot 'iku' something; you can only 'iku' TO somewhere or 'iku' BY some means.

Conjugation errors are also prevalent. Because iku is a Godan verb, the past tense is itta (informal) or ikimashita (polite). Some learners mistakenly follow the pattern of Ichidan verbs and say 'ikita,' which is incorrect (and actually means 'lived' from the verb ikiru). Remembering the small 'tsu' in the informal past itta (行った) is a classic test for Japanese learners. Furthermore, using ikimasu when you should use kaerimasu (to return home) is a subtle but common cultural error. In Japanese, if you are going back to your 'base' (home, country, or sometimes office), kaerimasu is much more natural than ikimasu.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the level of politeness. Using the plain form iku with a boss or the humble form mairimasu with a younger sibling are both stylistic errors. While the meaning is conveyed, the social harmony is disrupted. Ikimasu is the 'safe' middle ground, but as you progress, you must learn when to switch to more formal or informal versions. Avoiding these common mistakes—especially the 'come/go' distinction and the particle 'ni' vs 'wo'—will immediately make your Japanese sound more authentic and professional.

While 行きます (ikimasu) is the standard verb for 'to go,' Japanese offers several alternatives depending on the direction, the purpose, and the level of formality. The most common alternative for returning home is 帰ります (kaerimasu). While ikimasu simply means moving away, kaerimasu implies returning to a place where you belong. If you say 'Uchi ni ikimasu,' it sounds like you are visiting someone's house, whereas 'Uchi ni kaerimasu' clearly means you are going home. This distinction is vital for daily conversation.

Comparison Table

Mairimasu (参ります): Humble form used when speaking to superiors about your own movement.
Irasshaimasu (いらっしゃいます): Honorific form used when speaking about a superior's movement.

Another useful word is 出かけます (dekakemasu), which means 'to go out' or 'to depart.' While ikimasu focuses on the destination, dekakemasu focuses on the act of leaving the house for a specific errand or for fun. If someone asks what you are doing this weekend, saying 'Outing ni dekakemasu' sounds more natural than just using ikimasu. Similarly, 通います (kayoumasu) is used for regular, repetitive trips like commuting to school or work. 'Gakkou ni kayoute imasu' means 'I attend school,' implying a regular habit rather than a one-time trip.

For more specific types of movement, you might use 向かいます (mukaimasu), which means 'to head toward.' This is often used when you are currently in transit. If someone calls you and asks where you are, you could say 'Ima, eki ni mukatte imasu' (I am heading to the station now). This provides more specific information than the general ikimasu. In formal business settings, ikimasu is often replaced by 伺います (ukagaimasu) when you are visiting a client's office, as it is a humble verb that also implies 'visiting' or 'asking.'

Finally, the verb 歩みます (ayumimasu) is a more literary or metaphorical version of 'to walk' or 'to go.' It is used for life paths or historical progressions, such as 'peaceful path' (heiwa na michi wo ayumu). While you wouldn't use this to go to the grocery store, it illustrates the breadth of the 'going' concept in Japanese. Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the word that best fits the social context, the frequency of the action, and the specific nuance of the movement, moving you beyond basic A2 Japanese into a more nuanced command of the language.