Meaning
A phrase said upon returning home.
Cultural Background
The 'Genkan' (entryway) is where 'Tadaima' is said. It's a physical and spiritual transition point. Saying 'Tadaima modorimashita' is a sign of 'Horenso' (Report-Contact-Consult), showing you are back and ready to collaborate. Characters often say 'Tadaima' to an empty house to show they are lonely or to show they finally have a place to belong. In tea ceremony or traditional arts, the concept of 'returning' to a state of mind is often linked to these daily greetings.
The 'Ma' Rule
Elongate the 'ma' (Tadaimaaa!) to sound more casual and happy to be home.
Don't be a Guest
Remember: 'Tadaima' is for insiders. Using it as a guest can sound overly familiar or even arrogant.
Meaning
A phrase said upon returning home.
The 'Ma' Rule
Elongate the 'ma' (Tadaimaaa!) to sound more casual and happy to be home.
Don't be a Guest
Remember: 'Tadaima' is for insiders. Using it as a guest can sound overly familiar or even arrogant.
The Office Return
In a Japanese office, say 'Tadaima modorimashita' loudly enough for your immediate team to hear. It's polite and professional.
Saying it to Pets
It is perfectly normal and common to say 'Tadaima' to your cat or dog!
Test Yourself
You just walked into your own apartment. What do you say?
Choose the best greeting:
'Tadaima' is for returning to your own home. 'Ojamashimasu' is for someone else's home.
Complete the conversation between a husband and wife.
Husband: ただいま！ Wife: ________。
'Okaerinasai' is the standard polite response to 'Tadaima.'
Match the phrase to the correct setting.
1. ただいま (Casual) 2. ただいま戻りました (Formal)
The short form is for family; the longer form is for professional settings.
Fill in the missing kanji for the formal version.
只今{＿|＿}りました。
In an office, '{戻|もど}りました' is the standard formal completion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the best greeting:
'Tadaima' is for returning to your own home. 'Ojamashimasu' is for someone else's home.
Husband: ただいま！ Wife: ________。
'Okaerinasai' is the standard polite response to 'Tadaima.'
1. ただいま (Casual) 2. ただいま戻りました (Formal)
The short form is for family; the longer form is for professional settings.
只今{＿|＿}りました。
In an office, '{戻|もど}りました' is the standard formal completion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou don't *have* to, but many Japanese people do. It's a way to acknowledge your own space and transition into 'home mode.'
'Ima' just means 'now.' 'Tadaima' is the set greeting. You can't use 'Ima' to mean 'I'm home.'
Yes, it's the perfect casual greeting for partners living together.
Yes, '{只今|ただいま}', but it is most commonly written in hiragana.
It's not a sin, but your family might feel a bit ignored or surprised by your sudden presence.
Yes! It's a very common sentiment to say 'Tadaima, Nippon!' when landing.
It's better to use 'Tadaima kaerimashita' to show respect to in-laws unless you are very close.
It signals that you've finished your outside task and are back to help the team.
No, 'Tadaima' itself is an adverb. The verb it's based on (kaerimashita) is already in the past tense.
If you are returning to a classroom, 'Tadaima modorimashita' is appropriate.
Related Phrases
おかえり
complementWelcome back.
いってきます
contrastI'm leaving (and coming back).
お{邪魔|じゃま}します
similarExcuse me for disturbing you.
ただいまのところ
specialized formAt the moment.
