When you come home, you say ただいま (Tadaima). This is like saying "I'm home!" in English. It's a common greeting in Japanese households. You say it when you walk through the door to let others know you've arrived. It's polite and shows you're acknowledging the people inside.
When someone comes home in Japan, they say 「ただいま」 (Tadaima). It literally means "just now," but it's used as a set phrase to announce your return. This is a very common and polite way to acknowledge your arrival home.
It's typically said upon entering the house, and in return, those already home will say 「おかえりなさい」 (Okaerinasai), meaning "welcome home." Think of it like a greeting card when you get back. It's an essential part of daily Japanese home life and a great phrase to know for A2 learners.
When you arrive home or return to a familiar place, you say ただいま (Tadaima). This literally means 'just now' or 'right now,' but it implies 'I've just come home.' It's a common and polite greeting to announce your return.
It's typically used when you're entering your own home, or a place where you're expected, and someone else is present. The person who is at home will then typically reply with おかえり (Okaeri) or おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai), which means 'welcome home.' It's a fundamental part of daily Japanese etiquette.
When someone comes home in Japan, they say ただいま (Tadaima), which means "I'm home" or "I've returned." It's a common greeting used by family members or housemates upon their arrival. This phrase creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in Japanese households.
For example, if a child comes home from school, they might say 「ただいま！」 to their mother. In response, the mother would usually say 「おかえりなさい！」 (Okaerinasai!), meaning "Welcome home!"
When someone comes home in Japan, they say, 「ただいま」 (Tadaima). This literally means "just now," and it's a shortened version of 「ただいま帰りました」 (Tadaima kaerimashita), meaning "I just now came home." The family member who is home then replies, 「おかえり」 (Okaeri) or 「おかえりなさい」 (Okaerinasai).
You can use 「ただいま」 in any situation when returning home, whether you've been gone for a few minutes or a few hours. There are no strict rules about who can say it, but it's typically used by family members or close friends who live together.
It's important to note that 「ただいま」 is specifically used when returning to your own home or a place you consider home. If you're visiting someone else's house, you wouldn't use it. Instead, you would say 「お邪魔します」 (Ojama shimasu), meaning "Excuse me for intruding."
Here are a few examples:
- ただいま！ (Tadaima!) - I'm home!
- おかえり。ただいま、お父さん。 (Okaeri. Tadaima, otousan.) - Welcome home. I'm home, Dad.
§ What does ただいま mean?
- Japanese Word
- ただいま (Tadaima)
- Part of Speech
- Interjection
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- I'm home; I've returned.
When you walk through the door of your home in Japan, the first thing you'll often hear (or say yourself) is ただいま (tadaima). It's a simple, yet essential, phrase that means "I'm home" or "I've returned." Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of announcing your arrival when you enter your residence. It's not just a statement; it's a social cue.
This isn't something you'd say when you arrive at a friend's house or a store. It's specifically for your own home or the home of someone you live with. It signals your return to a familiar and shared space.
§ When do people use ただいま?
People use ただいま every time they come back to their home after being out. It's a daily ritual for many Japanese households. It's said when you return from work, school, shopping, or any outing. It's a way to let others in the house know you've arrived safely and to acknowledge their presence.
The response to ただいま is equally important: おかえり (okaeri) or おかえりなさい (okaerinasai). These mean "welcome home." We'll cover these in another lesson, but it's good to know they go hand-in-hand.
§ Examples in context
ただいま！学校から帰ってきたよ。
Hint: I'm home! I've returned from school.
夫が「ただいま」と言って、玄関に入ってきた。
Hint: My husband said, "I'm home," and entered the entryway.
仕事が終わって家に帰ると、「ただいま」と言うのが習慣です。
Hint: It's a habit to say "I'm home" when I return home after work.
§ More about ただいま
ただいま is actually a shortened form of ただいま帰りました (tadaima kaerimashita), which literally means "I have just now returned." However, in daily conversation, the shortened form is almost always used. The politeness level depends on your intonation and who you're speaking to, but the phrase itself is generally casual and friendly.
It's a foundational phrase for anyone living in or visiting a Japanese home, and it really helps you sound more natural. Don't be shy to use it!
- Use ただいま when returning to your own home or a shared home.
- Expect to hear おかえり (okaeri) or おかえりなさい (okaerinasai) in response.
- It's a warm, informal way to announce your return.
Fun Fact
The 'ima' (今) in 'tadaima' means 'now'.
Pronunciation Guide
- tadaima
- tah-dah-ee-mah
Grammar to Know
Used when returning home to announce one's arrival.
ただいま！ (Tadaima!) - I'm home!
Typically answered with 「おかえりなさい」 (Okaerinasai).
ただいま！ (Tadaima!) → おかえりなさい！ (Okaerinasai!)
It's considered polite and common etiquette in Japanese households.
彼が家に帰ってきて、「ただいま」と言いました。 (Kare ga ie ni kaettekitemo, 'Tadaima' to iimashita.) - When he came home, he said, 'I'm home.'
Can be used even if no one is home, as a general announcement.
誰もいなくても、ただいまと言う習慣があります。 (Daremo inakutemo, Tadaima to iu shuukan ga arimasu.) - Even if no one is home, there's a custom of saying 'I'm home.'
It's an abbreviation of 「ただいま帰りました」 (Tadaima kaerimashita), meaning 'I have just returned.'
ただいま帰りました。 (Tadaima kaerimashita.) - I have just returned. (More formal version)
Examples by Level
ただいま。
I'm home.
This is the most common and simple way to say 'I'm home.' It's a standard greeting upon returning to one's residence.
ただいま、帰りました。
I'm home, I have returned.
Adding 帰りました (kaerimashita) emphasizes the act of returning. It's polite and often used when entering a shared space.
お母さん、ただいま！
Mom, I'm home!
Used when addressing someone directly upon arriving home. お母さん (okaasan) means 'mother'.
学校からただいま。
I'm home from school.
Specifies where you are returning from. 学校 (gakkou) means 'school', and から (kara) means 'from'.
仕事からただいま。
I'm home from work.
Similar to the previous example, indicating return from work. 仕事 (shigoto) means 'work'.
ただいま、お邪魔します。
I'm home, excuse me for intruding (entering someone's home).
While 'ただいま' implies returning to one's own home, this phrase is used when entering someone else's home, acknowledging the intrusion. お邪魔します (ojamashimasu) is a polite phrase.
ただいま、遊びに来たよ。
I'm here (back), I came to play.
Used informally, often by children, to announce their arrival for play. 遊びに来たよ (asobi ni kita yo) means 'came to play'.
ただいま、コーヒーが飲みたい。
I'm home, I want to drink coffee.
Combining 'ただいま' with a desire or immediate thought upon returning. コーヒーが飲みたい (koohii ga nomitai) means 'I want to drink coffee'.
ただいま、お母さん！今日も学校でたくさん勉強したよ。
I'm home, Mom! I studied a lot at school today too.
Used when returning home to one's mother, common in daily family interactions.
ただいま。疲れたけど、いい一日だったよ。
I'm home. I'm tired, but it was a good day.
A common way to express returning home and briefly comment on the day.
遅くなってごめん、ただいま。夕食はもう食べた？
Sorry I'm late, I'm home. Have you eaten dinner yet?
Used with an apology for being late, followed by a question.
ただいま、みんな。お土産買ってきたよ。
I'm home, everyone. I bought souvenirs.
Addressing multiple people upon returning home, often with news or items.
雨に濡れたけど、ただいま！すぐお風呂に入るね。
I got wet in the rain, but I'm home! I'll take a bath right away.
Expressing a state (wet from rain) before announcing return and subsequent action.
ただいま！今日のおやつは何かな？
I'm home! What's for a snack today, I wonder?
A more casual and eager way to announce return, often with an immediate question about food.
鍵を忘れたけど、ただいま。誰かいますか？
I forgot my key, but I'm home. Is anyone there?
Used in a situation where one needs assistance to enter, indicating a problem upon return.
出張からただいま。久しぶりの我が家はやっぱり落ち着くね。
I'm home from my business trip. My home after a long time is really relaxing, isn't it?
Announcing return from a business trip, emphasizing the comfort of being home.
ただいま！ 仕事終わったよ。何か手伝うことある？
I'm home! I finished work. Is there anything I can help with?
仕事終わった (shigoto owatta) is a casual way to say 'finished work'.
ただいま、雨に降られちゃった。傘持っていけばよかった。
I'm home, I got caught in the rain. I should have taken an umbrella.
～に降られちゃった (ni furarechatta) indicates being unfortunately subjected to rain.
ただいま！ みんな、夕飯の準備できてる？ お腹ペコペコだよ。
I'm home! Everyone, is dinner ready? I'm starving.
お腹ペコペコ (onaka pekopeko) is a colloquial expression for 'very hungry'.
ただいま、今日は本当に疲れた。すぐにお風呂に入りたい。
I'm home, I'm really tired today. I want to take a bath right away.
すぐに (sugu ni) means 'right away' or 'immediately'.
ただいま、やっと新しいプロジェクトの打ち合わせが終わったよ。
I'm home, the meeting for the new project finally finished.
やっと (yatto) means 'at last' or 'finally', often implying a long wait.
ただいま、駅前のスーパーで特売品を買ってきたよ。
I'm home, I bought some special sale items at the supermarket in front of the station.
特売品 (tokubaihin) refers to 'special sale items' or 'bargain items'.
ただいま、友達とランチしてきた。すごく美味しかったよ。
I'm home, I had lunch with a friend. It was really delicious.
～してきた (shite kita) indicates having done something and then returned.
ただいま、旅行から帰ってきたばかり。お土産話がたくさんあるよ。
I'm home, I just got back from my trip. I have lots of stories to tell about the souvenirs.
～ばかり (bakari) here means 'just' or 'only just', indicating a recent action. お土産話 (omiyagebanashi) are 'stories about souvenirs' or 'travel stories'.
ただいま、この問題の解決策を検討中です。
Right now, we are considering solutions to this problem.
Here, 'ただいま' is used like 'right now' or 'at this very moment'.
ただいまの時刻は午後3時です。
The current time is 3 PM.
'ただいまの時刻' (tadaima no jikoku) means 'the current time'.
ただいま、電車が到着いたしました。
The train has just arrived.
Used to indicate something has just happened.
ただいま、お電話を差し上げてもよろしいでしょうか。
Would it be alright if I called you right now?
A polite way to ask if now is a good time for a call.
ただいま、店員が参りますので少々お待ちください。
A staff member will be with you shortly, so please wait a moment.
Common phrase used in stores or service industries.
ただいまのところ、特に問題は見つかっていません。
As of now, no particular problems have been found.
'ただいまのところ' (tadaima no tokoro) means 'as of now' or 'for the time being'.
ただいま、席を外しております。
I am currently away from my seat.
Often heard in office settings or automated messages.
ただいま、準備が整いました。
Preparations are now complete.
Indicates that something is ready or finished.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ただいま！
I'm home!
ただいま、お父さん！
I'm home, Dad!
ただいま、お母さん！
I'm home, Mom!
ただいま、みんな！
I'm home, everyone!
ただいま、帰ってきました。
I've returned home.
ただいま、部屋に戻りました。
I'm back in my room.
遅くなってただいま。
I'm home late.
ただいま、疲れたよ。
I'm home, I'm tired.
ただいま、何か食べるものある？
I'm home, is there anything to eat?
ただいま、お邪魔します。
I'm home, excuse me for coming in.
Often Confused With
While 'ただいま' can be translated as 'I'm back,' it specifically carries the nuance of 'I'm home.' 'I'm back' in English can be used in many contexts, but 'ただいま' is largely limited to returning home.
Similar to 'I'm back,' this translation is accurate but might not fully capture the 'home' aspect inherent in 'ただいま.' It's less common to use 'I've returned' in English in a casual home setting.
While 'ただいま' is a greeting, it's not a general 'hello' when entering any place. It's specifically for returning to one's own dwelling.
Idioms & Expressions
"ただいま"
I'm home; I've returned.
ただいま！おなかすいた。
neutral"おかえり"
Welcome home.
おかえりなさい！晩ご飯はできたよ。
neutral"いってきます"
I'm leaving; I'll be back.
いってきます！仕事に行ってくるね。
neutral"いってらっしゃい"
Please go and come back.
いってらっしゃい！気をつけてね。
neutral"いただきます"
Thank you for the meal (before eating).
いただきます！この料理、美味しそう。
neutral"ごちそうさま"
Thank you for the meal (after eating).
ごちそうさまでした。とても美味しかったです。
neutral"おじゃまします"
Excuse me for intruding (when entering someone's home).
おじゃまします。上がらせていただきます。
neutral"おつかれさま"
You've worked hard; Good work (used to acknowledge effort).
今日もおつかれさま。ゆっくり休んでね。
neutral"すみません"
Excuse me; I'm sorry; Thank you.
すみません、道を聞いてもいいですか？
neutral"よろしくおねがいします"
Please treat me well; I look forward to working with you.
はじめまして。どうぞよろしくおねがいします。
neutralEasily Confused
Often confused with 'ただいま' because both are used upon returning home. However, 'お帰り' is said TO someone returning home, while 'ただいま' is said BY someone returning home.
'お帰り' is a greeting said to someone who has returned. 'ただいま' is a declaration made by the person who has returned.
A: お帰りなさい！ (Okaerinasai!) - Welcome home! B: ただいま！ (Tadaima!) - I'm home!
Related to leaving and returning, so learners sometimes mix up the context. 'いってらっしゃい' is said to someone who is leaving.
'いってらっしゃい' means 'Please go and come back.' It's said to someone departing. 'ただいま' is said by someone who has returned.
A: いってきます！ (Ittekimasu!) - I'm leaving! B: いってらっしゃい！ (Itterasshai!) - See you!
Both are greetings, but 'ただいま' is specific to returning home, whereas 'こんにちは' is a general daytime greeting.
'こんにちは' is a general 'hello' or 'good afternoon.' 'ただいま' is specifically 'I'm home.'
A: こんにちは！ (Konnichiwa!) - Hello! B: こんにちは！ (Konnichiwa!) - Hello!
Sometimes confused in the sense of announcing one's presence. However, 'ごめんください' is used when visiting someone else's home.
'ごめんください' is used to announce your arrival at someone else's house, essentially 'Excuse me, is anyone home?' 'ただいま' is used when returning to your own home.
A: ごめんください！ (Gomen kudasai!) - Excuse me, anyone home?
Similar to 'ごめんください' in that it's used when entering someone else's home, but with a different nuance.
'お邪魔します' means 'Excuse me for intruding/disturbing.' It's said when entering someone else's home. 'ただいま' is used when returning to your own home.
A: お邪魔します！ (Ojama shimasu!) - Thank you for having me! (Upon entering)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
How to Use It
Use ただいま (tadaima) when you return home or to your workplace. It's an announcement that you've arrived back. The person greeting you would typically respond with おかえり (okaeri) or おかえりなさい (okaerinasai).
A common mistake is using ただいま in situations where you are not returning to your own home or familiar place. For instance, if you're visiting a friend's house for the first time, you wouldn't say ただいま upon arrival. Instead, you'd use a greeting like こんにちは (konnichiwa) or おじゃまします (ojamashimasu) (excuse me for disturbing).
Tips
Use with family and close friends
「ただいま」is primarily used when you return to your home and are addressing family members or very close roommates. It signals your return.
Pair with 「おかえりなさい」
The standard response to 「ただいま」 is 「おかえりなさい」 (Okaerinasai), which means 'Welcome home' or 'Welcome back.' Learn these two together.
It's an interjection
Think of it as a fixed phrase or an interjection. You don't conjugate it or change it based on politeness levels.
Say it upon entering
Say it right when you walk through the door. It announces your presence.
Shows consideration
Using 「ただいま」 is a polite custom that shows you are acknowledging your return and those who are waiting for you.
Don't use in public
You wouldn't use 「ただいま」 when you return to your office or a friend's house. It's strictly for your own residence.
No literal translation for 'I'm'
While translated as 'I'm home,' there's no explicit 'I'm' in the Japanese. It's an assumed subject.
Can be shortened
In very casual situations, especially with younger children or close family, you might just hear 「ただいまー」 (Tadaimaa) with an extended vowel sound.
Origin of the word
「ただいま」 is a shortened form of 「ただいま帰りました」 (Tadaima kaerimashita), meaning 'I have just now returned.'
Practice saying it
The best way to learn is to practice. Imagine yourself coming home and saying 「ただいま」 out loud.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you've just come home, and you're so tired you just wanna flop onto your bed and say, 'Tada! Ima here!' It sounds like 'Tadaima,' right? So, Tada-ima! I'm home!
Visual Association
Picture yourself walking through your front door. The moment you step inside, you see a speech bubble above your head that says 'ただいま'. Visualize yourself taking off your shoes at the genkan (entrance) while saying it. You could even draw a little cartoon of this scene.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next week, every time you come home, no matter where you've been (work, store, gym), say 'ただいま' out loud as you walk through the door. If someone is home, try to get them to respond with 'おかえり'.
Word Origin
From 'tadaima kaerimashita' (ただいま帰りました), meaning 'I have just now returned'.
Original meaning: Just now; right now.
JaponicCultural Context
<p>When someone arrives home in Japan, they typically say 'tadaima'. It's a way to announce their return and acknowledge the people inside the home. This greeting is often met with 'okaeri' or 'okaerinasai' from family members.</p>
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Returning home after work or school
- ただいま、疲れた。
- ただいま、お腹が空いた。
- ただいま、今日は大変だった。
Returning home to family members
- ただいま、みんな。
- ただいま、お母さん。
- ただいま、お父さん。
Returning to an empty house (still good to say)
- ただいま…誰もいない。
- ただいま、静かだね。
- ただいま、電気をつけよう。
After a short errand or going out
- ただいま、すぐ戻ったよ。
- ただいま、買い物に行ってきた。
- ただいま、散歩に行ってきた。
Greeting someone when they say 'Tadaima'
- おかえりなさい。
- おかえり。
- よく帰ってきたね。
Conversation Starters
"When do you usually say 'ただいま'?"
"What do you say after someone says 'ただいま' to you?"
"Is 'ただいま' used in formal situations?"
"What's the difference between 'ただいま' and '帰りました'?"
"Can you say 'ただいま' if you are returning to a place that isn't your home?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your routine when you come home. When do you say 'ただいま'?
Imagine you live in Japan. Write a short dialogue where you use 'ただいま' and 'おかえりなさい'.
Think about a time you were very happy to say 'ただいま'. What was the situation?
What is the equivalent phrase in your native language for 'ただいま'?
Write three sentences using 'ただいま' in different contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou use ただいま (tadaima) when you arrive back at your home, or a place where you live or belong, and someone else is there to greet you. It's like saying 'I'm home!' or 'I've returned!'
Both mean 'I'm home' or 'I've returned.' However, ただいま is specifically used as an interjection when you enter your home and someone is present. 帰りました is a more general statement, 'I came home,' and can be used in various contexts, like telling someone on the phone that you're home, or describing the action of returning.
Not necessarily every single time, but it's a very common and polite greeting in Japanese households. If you live with others, it's good practice to say it. If you live alone, there's no one to say it to, so you wouldn't.
The most common response is おかえり (okaeri) or おかえりなさい (okaerinasai). These mean 'Welcome home' or 'Welcome back.'
Generally, ただいま is reserved for your home. While the meaning is 'I've returned,' it carries the nuance of returning to your personal dwelling. For an office, you might use something like '戻りました' (modorimashita - I'm back) or a general greeting like 'お疲れ様です' (otsukaresama desu - You've worked hard).
ただいま itself is a fairly neutral interjection. The response, おかえり (informal) or おかえりなさい (more polite), can change the formality of the exchange. Within a family, ただいま is perfectly appropriate for all levels of formality.
If you say ただいま and no one is home, then no one will respond! It's a greeting meant for others to hear. If you live alone, you wouldn't typically say it unless it's out of habit.
ただいま is quite standard across Japan. While there might be slight dialectal nuances in other greetings, ただいま itself is widely understood and used.
Yes, absolutely! You'll hear ただいま and おかえり/おかえりなさい very frequently in Japanese media, especially in scenes depicting family life or roommates returning home. It's a fundamental part of everyday Japanese conversation.
The 'ただ' in ただいま comes from an older form meaning 'just now' or 'at this moment.' So, literally, it has the nuance of 'I've just now returned.'
Test Yourself 96 questions
A: こんにちは！ B: ___！
B is responding to A's greeting, implying they have just arrived or returned.
家に帰ってきました。___！
This sentence describes someone returning home, so 'ただいま' is the appropriate greeting.
お母さんが家に帰ってきて、___と言いました。
The mother has returned home, so she would say 'ただいま'.
学校から帰ってきたら、いつも___と言います。
When returning home from school, 'ただいま' is the customary greeting.
仕事が終わって、家に着いたら、___と家族に言います。
Upon arriving home from work, one would greet their family with 'ただいま'.
友達の家から自分の家に戻ってきて、___と言いました。
After returning to one's own home, 'ただいま' is the correct phrase to use.
Which of these is the most common response to someone saying 'ただいま'?
'おかえり' (Okaeri) means 'Welcome home' or 'Welcome back' and is the standard reply.
You come home after work. What do you say when you enter your house?
'ただいま' (Tadaima) is used to announce your return home.
Which situation would you NOT use 'ただいま'?
'ただいま' (Tadaima) is specifically for announcing your return, not your departure.
'ただいま' can be used when you return to your workplace after a break.
'ただいま' is typically used when returning to your home, not a workplace.
When someone says 'ただいま', a polite response is 'おかえりなさい' (Okaerinasai).
'おかえりなさい' is a more polite version of 'おかえり' and is a common response.
You should say 'ただいま' when you arrive at a friend's house for the first time that day.
'ただいま' is used when you are returning to a place you consider 'home' or a familiar place after being away, not for an initial arrival.
You just arrived home. How do you announce your return in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま。
Imagine you are speaking to your family. Write the Japanese word you say when you come back home.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま。
Your friend is asking how to say 'I'm home' in Japanese. What do you tell them?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま。
What does B say when they arrive?
Read this passage:
A: こんにちは！どこにいましたか？ B: ただいま！家にいました。
What does B say when they arrive?
ただいま (tadaima) means 'I'm home' or 'I've returned'.
ただいま (tadaima) means 'I'm home' or 'I've returned'.
What would a mother typically say when she comes home?
Read this passage:
お母さんが家に帰ってきました。彼女は何と言いますか？
What would a mother typically say when she comes home?
ただいま (tadaima) is the phrase used to announce one's return home.
ただいま (tadaima) is the phrase used to announce one's return home.
What do you say when you arrive home and open the door?
Read this passage:
あなたは家に着きました。ドアを開けて、何と言いますか？
What do you say when you arrive home and open the door?
ただいま (tadaima) is the correct greeting for arriving home.
ただいま (tadaima) is the correct greeting for arriving home.
家に帰ってきました。___. (I've come home. ___.)
When you return home, you say 'ただいま' (Tadaima).
A: ___ B: おかえりなさい (Welcome home)
'おかえりなさい' (Okaerinasai) is the common response to 'ただいま'.
仕事から帰宅した時、'___'と言います。 (When you return home from work, you say '___'.)
'ただいま' is used when you arrive back home.
学校から帰ってきたら、母に '___' と言いました。 (When I came back from school, I said '___' to my mother.)
This phrase is used upon returning to your home.
友達の家から自分の家に戻った時、'___' と言います。 (When you return to your own home from a friend's house, you say '___'.)
It's the standard greeting when you return to your own residence.
旅行から帰ってきて、玄関で '___' と言いました。 (Returning from a trip, I said '___' at the entrance.)
This is the appropriate phrase for announcing your return home after any absence.
Choose the most appropriate greeting when you arrive home.
ただいま (Tadaima) is the standard phrase used to announce your return home.
Which of these situations would you use 'ただいま'?
ただいま (Tadaima) is specifically used when you return home.
What is the common response to 'ただいま'?
おかえりなさい (Okaerinasai) means 'Welcome home' and is the typical response to ただいま (Tadaima).
You can use 'ただいま' when you arrive at a friend's house for the first time that day.
ただいま (Tadaima) is used when returning to your own home or a place you consider your base, not when visiting someone else's house.
'ただいま' is a polite way to say 'hello' to someone you haven't seen in a long time.
While 'ただいま' is a greeting, it's specifically for returning home, not for general greetings after a long absence.
It is customary to say 'ただいま' when you enter your home after being out.
It is a common custom in Japanese culture to announce your return home with 'ただいま'.
What do you say when you come home?
Listen to the short exchange. What does 'A' say?
You've come home. What do you say?
Read this aloud:
ただいま
Focus: tadai-ma
You said:
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Read this aloud:
ただいま、帰りました。
Focus: tadai-ma, kaeri-mashita
You said:
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Read this aloud:
学校からただいま。
Focus: gakkoo kara tadai-ma
You said:
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Imagine you just got home from school. What would you say in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま！ (Tadaima! - I'm home!)
Your friend arrives at your house after a long trip. What do they say when they enter?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま。 (Tadaima. - I'm home.)
You come back to your shared apartment. What is the common greeting you would use to announce your return?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま！ (Tadaima! - I'm home!)
What does person B say?
Read this passage:
A: おかえり！ (Okaeri! - Welcome home!) B: ただいま！ (Tadaima! - I'm home!) C: ご飯だよ。 (Gohan da yo. - Dinner's ready.)
What does person B say?
Person B uses 'ただいま' to announce their return.
Person B uses 'ただいま' to announce their return.
What did Yuka say when she got home?
Read this passage:
ユカは学校から帰ってきて、ドアを開けました。彼女は言いました、「ただいま！」 (Yuka wa gakkō kara kaette kite, doa o akemashita. Kanojo wa iimashita, 'Tadaima!' - Yuka came home from school and opened the door. She said, 'I'm home!')
What did Yuka say when she got home?
The passage clearly states Yuka said 'ただいま！' which means 'I'm home!'.
The passage clearly states Yuka said 'ただいま！' which means 'I'm home!'.
What does the friend mean by 'ただいま!' in this context?
Read this passage:
友達が家に遊びに来て、玄関でこう言いました。「ただいま！」 (Tomodachi ga ie ni asobi ni kite, genkan de kō iimashita. 'Tadaima!' - My friend came to play at my house and said this at the entrance: 'I'm home!')
What does the friend mean by 'ただいま!' in this context?
While 'ただいま' literally means 'I'm home', it's used to announce one's return or arrival at a familiar place, such as a friend's house they frequent. In this context, it implies 'I've arrived!'.
While 'ただいま' literally means 'I'm home', it's used to announce one's return or arrival at a familiar place, such as a friend's house they frequent. In this context, it implies 'I've arrived!'.
家に帰ってきて、妻に「___」と言った。 (I came home and said "I'm home" to my wife.)
「ただいま」is used when returning home.
長い出張から戻ってきて、玄関で「___」と叫んだ。 (Returning from a long business trip, I shouted "I'm home!" at the entrance.)
「ただいま」is the appropriate greeting when you arrive back at your home.
学校から帰ってきた子供たちが、大きな声で「___！」と言った。 (The children who came home from school said "We're home!" in a loud voice.)
「ただいま」is used by people returning home, regardless of age.
旅行から帰宅した時、誰もいなかったので、心の中で「___」と思った。 (When I got home from my trip, no one was there, so I thought "I'm home" in my heart.)
Even if no one is home, 「ただいま」is the feeling of returning.
仕事から帰ってきて、疲れていても必ず「___」と言うようにしている。 (Even when I come home from work tired, I always make sure to say "I'm home.")
It's a common practice to say 「ただいま」when returning from work.
友達の家で遅くまで遊んで、自分の家に帰った時に「___」と言った。 (After playing late at a friend's house, I said "I'm home" when I returned to my own house.)
「ただいま」is used when you return to your own residence.
Imagine you just got home from school. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you're home.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま、学校から帰りました。
Your family asks you where you've been. Write a sentence in Japanese using 'ただいま' and explaining you were at the supermarket.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま、スーパーに行っていました。
You are talking to your friend on the phone and have just arrived home. Write a sentence in Japanese telling them you've just returned home.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま、家にちょうど着きました。
What is B's reason for being late?
Read this passage:
A: おかえりなさい！遅かったね。 B: ただいま。道が混んでいたんだ。
What is B's reason for being late?
B states, '道が混んでいたんだ' (The road was crowded).
B states, '道が混んでいたんだ' (The road was crowded).
What does Tanaka-san's mother ask?
Read this passage:
田中さん: ただいま！ お母さん: おかえり、今日はどうだった？ 田中さん: 面白かったよ。
What does Tanaka-san's mother ask?
お母さん asks '今日はどうだった？' which means 'How was today?'.
お母さん asks '今日はどうだった？' which means 'How was today?'.
What did 'あなた' (you) forget?
Read this passage:
友達: ただいま。雨が降っているね。 あなた: うん、傘を忘れてしまったよ。
What did 'あなた' (you) forget?
あなた says '傘を忘れてしまったよ' (I forgot my umbrella).
あなた says '傘を忘れてしまったよ' (I forgot my umbrella).
Imagine you're returning home after a long day at work. Write a short message (2-3 sentences) to your family, expressing that you've returned and perhaps what you're looking forward to doing. Use 'ただいま'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま！仕事から帰ってきたよ。今日は疲れたから、ゆっくりお風呂に入りたいな。
You've just arrived back at your apartment after a trip abroad. Write a journal entry (2-3 sentences) describing the feeling of being back in your own space. Incorporate 'ただいま'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま、日本！数ヶ月ぶりに自分の部屋に戻ってきた。やっぱり自分の家は落ち着くね。
Your friend messages you asking where you are. You've just walked in the door. Write a short reply (1-2 sentences) letting them know you've arrived home. Make sure to use 'ただいま'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ただいま、今家に帰ってきたよ。
なぜ田中さんは「ただいま」とメールを送ったのですか？
Read this passage:
田中さんが会社の同僚に「ただいま！」とメールを送った。同僚は「おかえりなさい、今日は早かったですね」と返信した。田中さんは「ええ、今日は仕事が早く終わったから、まっすぐ帰ってきました」と答えた。
なぜ田中さんは「ただいま」とメールを送ったのですか？
「ただいま！」は家に帰った時に使う挨拶です。同僚の返信からも田中さんが家に帰ったことがわかります。
「ただいま！」は家に帰った時に使う挨拶です。同僚の返信からも田中さんが家に帰ったことがわかります。
この人はなぜ「ただいま」と言ったのですか？
Read this passage:
長い出張から戻った私は、玄関のドアを開けて「ただいま！」と大きな声で言った。部屋は静かで、誰もいないようだった。それでも、自分の声が響くことで、ようやく家に帰ってきたという実感が湧いた。
この人はなぜ「ただいま」と言ったのですか？
文章の最後で「自分の声が響くことで、ようやく家に帰ってきたという実感が湧いた」と説明されています。
文章の最後で「自分の声が響くことで、ようやく家に帰ってきたという実感が湧いた」と説明されています。
この文脈で「ただいま」はどのような状況で使われていますか？
Read this passage:
子供たちが学校から帰ってきて「ただいま！」と元気よく玄関で言った。母親は台所から「おかえりなさい！おやつはテーブルの上よ」と答えた。いつもの光景が、家族の温かさを感じさせた。
この文脈で「ただいま」はどのような状況で使われていますか？
子供たちが学校から戻り、母親が「おかえりなさい」と答えていることから、自宅に帰ってきた状況であることがわかります。
子供たちが学校から戻り、母親が「おかえりなさい」と答えていることから、自宅に帰ってきた状況であることがわかります。
This sentence describes a common exchange when someone returns home. The order follows the natural flow of a conversation: 'He says "I'm home," and his wife replies "Welcome back."'
This sentence describes a person returning from a long business trip and muttering 'I'm home' at the entrance. The order follows the sequence of events.
This sentence describes children returning from school and cheerfully shouting 'I'm home!' The order reflects the action and the phrase being spoken.
長い出張から戻った時、家族に「___」と声をかけた。
「ただいま」は、外出先から家に戻った時に使う挨拶です。この文脈では、長い出張から帰宅した状況に合致します。
友人の家に遊びに行って、再び自分の家に帰ってきた時、「___」と言って玄関のドアを開けた。
「ただいま」は、自分の家に戻った時に使う挨拶です。友人宅からの帰宅時に適切です。
一日中外で活動した後、ようやく家にたどり着き、「ああ、やっと___だ」とつぶやいた。
「ただいま」は、家に帰ってきた時の安堵感や帰宅を知らせる言葉としても使われます。この文脈では、長い一日の終わりに家に帰ってきたことを示します。
海外留学から数年ぶりに帰国し、実家のドアを開けて「___！」と叫んだ。
「ただいま」は、長期間の外出から家に戻った際にも使われ、家族への帰宅の挨拶として最適です。
疲れて仕事から帰宅し、部屋の明かりをつけて「___」と独り言を言った。
たとえ誰もいなくても、家に帰ってきたことを示す「ただいま」は、独り言としても使われます。
出かける前に「いってきます」と言った後、短い買い物を終えてすぐに戻り、「___」と告げた。
「いってきます」と対になる言葉で、外出から戻った時に使います。短い外出であっても適切です。
Which of the following situations is the most appropriate to use "ただいま"?
「ただいま」 is specifically used when you return to your own home or a place you consider your home, indicating 'I'm home' or 'I've returned.'
Your roommate comes home and says 「ただいま」. How should you respond?
The standard response to 「ただいま」 (Tadaima - I'm home) is 「おかえりなさい」 (Okaerinasai - Welcome home).
You are at a coworker's apartment for a party. When you leave, what is the most appropriate phrase to say?
「ただいま」 is used when returning to your own home. When leaving someone else's home, 「おじゃましました」 is the polite phrase to use, meaning 'Thank you for having me' or 'I apologize for intruding.'
「ただいま」 can be used when you return to your office after a business trip.
While primarily for one's residence, 「ただいま」 can also be used in a broader sense for returning to a place considered 'base' or 'home' like an office after being away for an extended period.
When you are a guest at someone's house and you return from a short walk outside, you should say 「ただいま」.
「ただいま」 is generally reserved for returning to your own home or a place where you reside. As a guest, you would typically not use it.
It is impolite to say 「ただいま」 in a very casual setting, such as to close friends or family.
「ただいま」 is a standard greeting for returning home and is perfectly appropriate, and even expected, in casual settings with family and close friends.
A child asks their mother about dinner after coming home.
Someone arrives home late and asks if another person is still awake.
Someone comes home and comments on the cold weather, then offers to make tea.
Read this aloud:
ただいま、宿題終わったよ！
Focus: た・だ・い・ま
You said:
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Read this aloud:
ただいま。今日は部長に褒められたんだ。
Focus: ただいま
You said:
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Read this aloud:
ただいま。疲れたけど、いい一日だったよ。
Focus: ただいま、つかれた
You said:
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Imagine you're returning home after a long trip. Write a short paragraph in Japanese describing how you feel upon saying 'ただいま' and what you're looking forward to doing first.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
長い旅行から帰ってきて、玄関で「ただいま」と言いました。とても疲れていますが、自分の家に戻ってこれて本当に嬉しいです。まずは温かいお風呂に入ってリラックスしたいです。
You are explaining to a non-Japanese friend the cultural significance of saying 'ただいま' and 'おかえりなさい' in Japan. Write a short explanation in Japanese for your friend.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本では「ただいま」と「おかえりなさい」は、単なる挨拶以上の意味があります。これは家族の絆や帰宅を歓迎する気持ちを表す大切な文化です。この言葉を交わすことで、家が安全な場所だと感じられます。
You've just moved into a new apartment in Japan. Write a short journal entry in Japanese about the first time you say 'ただいま' in your new place and your initial impressions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日、新しいアパートに引っ越して初めて「ただいま」と言いました。まだ少し慣れないけれど、自分の空間ができたことに喜びを感じます。これからどんな生活が始まるのか、とても楽しみです。
佐藤さんが「ただいま」と言った後、どのような状況だったと推測できますか？
Read this passage:
佐藤さんは仕事から帰宅し、玄関のドアを開けた。「ただいま」と彼は静かに言った。誰もいないはずの部屋から、かすかに「おかえりなさい」という声が聞こえたような気がした。彼は少し驚いたが、すぐに微笑んだ。疲れた体でキッチンへ向かい、温かいお茶を淹れた。
佐藤さんが「ただいま」と言った後、どのような状況だったと推測できますか？
passageでは「誰もいないはずの部屋から、かすかに『おかえりなさい』という声が聞こえたような気がした」とあり、これは佐藤さんが一人で帰宅し、誰かの声を聞きたがっている心理状態を示唆しているため、寂しさを感じた可能性が高い。
passageでは「誰もいないはずの部屋から、かすかに『おかえりなさい』という声が聞こえたような気がした」とあり、これは佐藤さんが一人で帰宅し、誰かの声を聞きたがっている心理状態を示唆しているため、寂しさを感じた可能性が高い。
この状況で、友人が「ただいま」と言った時、田中さんはどうしていましたか？
Read this passage:
ある日、田中さんは友人の家を訪れた。友人はまだ帰宅していなかったが、田中さんは鍵を持っていたので中に入った。しばらくしてドアが開き、「ただいま」という声が聞こえた。友人は田中さんがすでに部屋にいることに気づいていなかったようだ。友人は少し驚いた顔をして、「あれ、いつからいたの？」と尋ねた。
この状況で、友人が「ただいま」と言った時、田中さんはどうしていましたか？
「友人はまだ帰宅していなかったが、田中さんは鍵を持っていたので中に入った」という記述から、友人が帰宅して「ただいま」と言う前に、田中さんはすでに家の中にいたことがわかります。
「友人はまだ帰宅していなかったが、田中さんは鍵を持っていたので中に入った」という記述から、友人が帰宅して「ただいま」と言う前に、田中さんはすでに家の中にいたことがわかります。
この文章から、「ただいま」という言葉の文化的意義について最も適切に説明しているのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
「ただいま」は、単なる帰宅の挨拶ではありません。それは、一日の終わりに安堵し、家族や大切な人との再会を喜ぶ気持ちを表す、日本の文化に根ざした表現です。この言葉を言うことで、家という場所が持つ意味合いがより深まります。子供たちが学校から帰ってきて「ただいま」と言う声を聞くと、親は一日の疲れが吹き飛ぶと言います。
この文章から、「ただいま」という言葉の文化的意義について最も適切に説明しているのはどれですか？
文章中に「単なる帰宅の挨拶ではありません。それは、一日の終わりに安堵し、家族や大切な人との再会を喜ぶ気持ちを表す、日本の文化に根ざした表現です」と明記されています。
文章中に「単なる帰宅の挨拶ではありません。それは、一日の終わりに安堵し、家族や大切な人との再会を喜ぶ気持ちを表す、日本の文化に根ざした表現です」と明記されています。
This sentence describes a common domestic scene. '彼が' (he) is the subject, 'ただいま と 言うと' (when he said 'I'm home') sets the action, and '妻は 笑顔で 迎えた' (his wife greeted him with a smile) is the result.
Here, '長旅から 戻った 彼' (he, having returned from a long journey) is the subject. '玄関で' (at the entrance) specifies the location, and '「ただいま」と つぶやいた' (muttered 'I'm home') is the action.
'子供たちが' (the children) is the subject. '学校から 帰宅し' (returned home from school) describes their action, and '元気に 「ただいま！」と 叫んだ' (energetically shouted 'I'm home!') completes the sentence.
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Use with family and close friends
「ただいま」is primarily used when you return to your home and are addressing family members or very close roommates. It signals your return.
Pair with 「おかえりなさい」
The standard response to 「ただいま」 is 「おかえりなさい」 (Okaerinasai), which means 'Welcome home' or 'Welcome back.' Learn these two together.
It's an interjection
Think of it as a fixed phrase or an interjection. You don't conjugate it or change it based on politeness levels.
Say it upon entering
Say it right when you walk through the door. It announces your presence.
Related Content
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
