Meaning
To visit a retail establishment.
Cultural Background
When you enter a shop, you will hear 'Irasshaimase!' You are not expected to reply, but a small nod is polite. Konbini (convenience stores) are the most common 'omise' people visit daily. They are open 24/7 and sell everything from food to concert tickets. Depaato (department stores) often have staff at the entrance who bow to customers as they enter, especially right when the store opens. Going to a shop to buy 'omiyage' (souvenirs/gifts) is a crucial part of Japanese social etiquette when traveling or visiting someone.
Use 'itte kuru'
When leaving home to go to a shop, say '{お店|おみせ}に{行|い}ってくる' (I'm going and coming back). It sounds much more natural than just 'ikimasu'.
Particle 'ni' vs 'e'
While 'e' is also correct, 'ni' is much more common for specific destinations like a shop. Stick to 'ni' as a beginner.
Meaning
To visit a retail establishment.
Use 'itte kuru'
When leaving home to go to a shop, say '{お店|おみせ}に{行|い}ってくる' (I'm going and coming back). It sounds much more natural than just 'ikimasu'.
Particle 'ni' vs 'e'
While 'e' is also correct, 'ni' is much more common for specific destinations like a shop. Stick to 'ni' as a beginner.
The 'O' is key
Always use 'omise' instead of just 'mise' to sound polite and avoid sounding overly masculine or blunt.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle.
{お店|おみせ}（ ）{行|い}きます。
The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the destination of a verb of motion like 'iku'.
Choose the correct polite form of the sentence.
I went to the shop.
'Ikimashita' is the polite past form of 'iku'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}、どこに{行|い}きますか？ B: （ ）。
B is answering a 'where' question with a destination and the verb 'to go'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
You want to invite a friend to go to a shop with you.
'-masen ka' is a polite way to invite someone to do something.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{お店|おみせ}（ ）{行|い}きます。
The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the destination of a verb of motion like 'iku'.
I went to the shop.
'Ikimashita' is the polite past form of 'iku'.
A: {明日|あした}、どこに{行|い}きますか？ B: （ ）。
B is answering a 'where' question with a destination and the verb 'to go'.
You want to invite a friend to go to a shop with you.
'-masen ka' is a polite way to invite someone to do something.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, you can, but '{食べ|たべ}に{行|い}く' (go to eat) is more common if that's your main purpose.
Yes, in compound words like 'hon-ya' (bookstore) or in very casual/rough male speech.
'Omise ni iku' focuses on the destination, while 'kaimono ni iku' focuses on the act of shopping.
Use '{お店|おみせ}に{居|い}ます' (omise ni imasu).
Yes, '{お店|おみせ}へ{行|い}く' is perfectly correct and sounds slightly more poetic or formal.
No, for online shopping you would use 'netto de kau' (buy on the internet).
Related Phrases
{買|か}い{物|もの}に{行|い}く
similarTo go shopping
{お店|おみせ}に{寄|よ}る
specialized formTo stop by a shop
{外食|がいしょく}する
similarTo eat out
{市場|いちば}に{行|い}く
specialized formTo go to the market
