いってきます

The Japanese phrase いってきます (Ittekimasu) is a cornerstone of daily Japanese communication, serving as a ritualistic greeting used when one leaves a place they intend to return to. Etymologically, it is a compound of two verbs: iku (to go) and kuru (to come). Specifically, it uses the te-form of iku (いって) combined with the polite form of kuru (きます). Literally translated, it means 'I will go and come back.' This literal meaning is vital because it encapsulates the Japanese cultural emphasis on the continuity of the home or 'uchi' (inside) environment. When you say this, you are not just announcing your departure; you are making a verbal contract or a promise that your absence is temporary and that you will return to the safety and social structure of the group you are leaving. It is most commonly used when leaving one's home in the morning for school or work, but it is also frequently used in professional settings when an employee leaves the office for a meeting or a lunch break, intending to return later in the day.

Linguistic Root

The combination of 'Go' (行) and 'Come' (来) creates a cyclical motion.

Understanding the weight of this phrase requires looking at the concept of 'Aisatsu' (greetings) in Japan. Greetings are not merely social pleasantries; they are essential tools for maintaining 'Wa' (harmony). By stating 'Ittekimasu,' the speaker acknowledges the presence of those staying behind and reassures them of their eventual return. This is why the phrase is almost never used when leaving a place permanently, such as moving out of an apartment or quitting a job. In those cases, other expressions like 'Osewa ni narimashita' (Thank you for everything) would be appropriate. The phrase is also deeply tied to the physical space of the 'genkan' (entranceway). In many Japanese households, the act of saying 'Ittekimasu' while putting on shoes is a daily ritual that marks the transition from the private sphere to the public sphere. It is a linguistic boundary marker.

Social Function

Maintains harmony by signaling a temporary departure and a guaranteed return.

In terms of formality, 'Ittekimasu' is the standard polite form. In very casual settings, such as among close friends or family, it might be shortened or slurred slightly, but the core 'Itte' sound remains. Conversely, in highly formal business settings, one might use 'Itte mairimasu,' which uses the humble form of 'to go/come' (mairu). However, for 95% of daily interactions, 'Ittekimasu' is the perfect balance of politeness and naturalness. It is one of the first phrases Japanese children learn, often taught alongside 'Itterasshai' (the response) as a pair. This pairing is crucial; 'Ittekimasu' is rarely said into a vacuum. It expects an acknowledgment. If you are living alone, you might still say it to an empty room or a pet to maintain the habit and the feeling of 'home,' a practice that highlights the psychological comfort the phrase provides.

Variations

Itte mairimasu (Humble/Formal), Itte kuru (Casual/Informal).

Using いってきます correctly involves understanding the context of 'departure with intent to return.' It is not a generic 'goodbye.' In English, we might say 'I'm off' or 'See you later,' but 'Ittekimasu' is more specific. The most common scenario is leaving your residence. As you are stepping out the door, or just before you do, you announce it to your family or roommates. It is often spoken in a cheerful, rising tone to indicate readiness for the day. In a professional context, you use it when leaving the office for a temporary task. For example, if you are a salesperson heading to a client's office, you would say 'Ittekimasu' to your colleagues. This informs them that you are leaving but will be back to finish your work later. It helps the team keep track of who is in the office without needing a formal roll call.

The Home Setting

Used when leaving for school, work, or errands. Directed at family members.

Another important aspect of usage is the response. The person staying behind should respond with いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai), which literally means 'Please go and come back.' This exchange creates a linguistic 'handshake.' If you say 'Ittekimasu' and no one responds, it can feel socially incomplete or even lonely. In modern times, even people living alone might say it to their house as a psychological marker of starting the day. Furthermore, the level of politeness can be adjusted. If you are talking to your boss or a senior colleague, you might use the more formal いってまいります (Itte mairimasu). This shows extra respect by using the humble verb form. Conversely, with very close friends or younger siblings, you might simply say いってくる (Itte kuru). This casual version drops the polite '-masu' ending and is very common in informal speech.

The Office Setting

Used when leaving for a meeting, lunch, or a site visit. Directed at colleagues.

One nuance to keep in mind is the duration of the absence. While 'Ittekimasu' is used for daily departures, it is also used for longer trips, like a week-long vacation or a business trip abroad. As long as the intention is to return to the starting point, the phrase remains valid. However, if you are leaving a party or a social gathering where you don't intend to return that same night, you should use 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' (Excuse me for leaving early) or 'Sore de wa' (Well then). Using 'Ittekimasu' at a party would confuse people, as they would expect you to come back in a few minutes. Therefore, the 'return' aspect is the most critical component of the phrase's logic. It is a promise of return that anchors the speaker to their home or workplace.

Grammar Breakdown

Itte (Te-form of Iku/Go) + Kimasu (Masu-form of Kuru/Come).

You will hear いってきます in almost every facet of Japanese life, making it one of the most high-frequency phrases for any learner. The most iconic setting is the Japanese household in the morning. If you watch any 'slice-of-life' anime or Japanese drama, you will inevitably see a scene where a character is rushing out the door, shouting 'Ittekimasu!' while their mother or spouse calls back 'Itterasshai!' from the kitchen. This scene is so ubiquitous that it has become a symbol of domestic stability and daily routine. It represents the start of the day's adventure or labor. In reality, this happens in millions of homes across Japan every single morning. It is the verbal signal that the 'inside' (uchi) is being left for the 'outside' (soto).

Anime & Media

Used to show a character starting their day or heading into a battle/mission they intend to return from.

Beyond the home, the workplace is the second most common environment. In a Japanese office, teamwork and communication are paramount. When a staff member leaves their desk to go to a bank, a client, or even just a long lunch, they will often say 'Ittekimasu' to their immediate team. This isn't just about being polite; it's functional. It lets the team know they shouldn't expect an immediate response from that person for a while. You will also hear it in schools. Students leaving the classroom for a special activity or leaving the school building for a field trip will use it. Even in retail, if a shop staff member has to leave the floor to go to the warehouse or the back office, they might say it to their colleagues. It is a phrase that reinforces group cohesion by keeping everyone informed of each other's movements.

Public Spaces

Train stations, school gates, and office lobbies are prime locations to hear this phrase.

Interestingly, you might also hear it in more metaphorical contexts. For example, a performer going on stage might say 'Ittekimasu' to their stagehands or fellow performers. In this sense, the 'stage' is the outside world, and the 'backstage' is the safe home. By saying 'Ittekimasu,' the performer is signaling that they are going out to perform and will return to the group once the act is over. Similarly, astronauts or explorers might use it before a major mission. It carries a sense of duty and the promise of a safe return. For a learner, hearing this phrase is a great way to practice identifying the 'te-form' in natural speech. Because it is so common, the 'te' and 'kimasu' often blend together into a very fast 'ittekimasu,' which is a good exercise for developing a natural Japanese ear.

Cultural Nuance

It reflects the 'Uchi-Soto' (Inside-Outside) social dynamic of Japan.

One of the most common mistakes beginners make with いってきます is using it in the wrong social context. Because it is often translated as 'Goodbye' in textbooks, learners might try to use it when leaving a restaurant, a store, or a party. However, 'Ittekimasu' implies you are leaving your 'base' (home or office). If you say 'Ittekimasu' to a waiter as you leave a restaurant, they will be very confused, as it implies you are coming back to the restaurant in a few minutes. In that situation, 'Gochisousama deshita' (Thank you for the meal) or 'Sayounara' (Goodbye) is appropriate. Another mistake is using it when you are leaving a place permanently. If you are moving out of a dormitory, you shouldn't say 'Ittekimasu' to your dorm mates, as you aren't coming back. This can lead to awkward misunderstandings where people wait for you to return.

Mistake 1: Wrong Location

Using it when leaving a shop or restaurant where you don't work.

Grammatically, learners sometimes confuse 'Ittekimasu' with 'Ikimasu' (I go). While they both involve going, 'Ikimasu' is a simple statement of action, whereas 'Ittekimasu' is a greeting. If someone asks 'Where are you going?' you answer with 'Gakkou ni ikimasu' (I'm going to school). You wouldn't usually say 'Gakkou ni ittekimasu' as a direct answer to a question about your destination, although you could say 'Gakkou ni ittekimasu' as you leave. Another subtle mistake is the pronunciation of the double 't' in 'Itte.' It is a 'sokuon' (small tsu), meaning there should be a tiny pause. If you say 'Itekimasu' (one 't'), it sounds unnatural and might be harder to understand. Furthermore, forgetting to wait for the response 'Itterasshai' can make the interaction feel clipped or rude. In Japanese culture, the response is just as important as the initial greeting.

Mistake 2: Grammar Confusion

Confusing it with the simple verb 'Ikimasu' (to go).

Finally, there is the issue of politeness levels. Using 'Ittekimasu' with a very high-ranking CEO might be slightly too casual; in that case, 'Itte mairimasu' is better. Conversely, using 'Itte mairimasu' with your younger brother would sound incredibly stiff and strange, almost like you are joking. Learners should also be careful not to use 'Ittekimasu' when they are the ones staying behind. If your friend is leaving, you say 'Itterasshai,' not 'Ittekimasu.' Mixing these two up is a very common error for beginners because they are often learned at the same time. Just remember: 'Ittekimasu' is for the person moving away, and 'Itterasshai' is for the person staying put. If both people are leaving (e.g., two roommates leaving for work at the same time), they might both say 'Ittekimasu' to the apartment, or to each other if they are parting ways at the station.

Mistake 3: Role Reversal

Saying 'Ittekimasu' when you are the one staying home.

To fully master いってきます, it's helpful to compare it with other Japanese words for leaving or going. The most direct comparison is with 出かけます (Dekakemasu). While both involve leaving, 'Dekakemasu' specifically means 'to go out' for a purpose, like shopping or a movie. You might say 'Ima kara dekakemasu' (I'm going out now), but 'Ittekimasu' is the greeting you use as you actually cross the threshold. 'Dekakemasu' describes the action, while 'Ittekimasu' is the social ritual. Another similar phrase is 行きます (Ikimasu), which is the simple verb 'to go.' 'Ikimasu' is used to describe the destination or the fact of going, but it lacks the 'and coming back' nuance and the greeting function of 'Ittekimasu.'

Ittekimasu vs. Dekakemasu

Ittekimasu is a greeting; Dekakemasu is a verb describing the act of going out.

Then there is 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu), which means 'Excuse me' or 'I'm leaving.' This is used when leaving a room, an office, or ending a phone call. Unlike 'Ittekimasu,' it doesn't necessarily imply you are coming back soon. In a business setting, you might use both: 'Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu' (Excuse me for leaving before you) when you are finishing work for the day, but 'Ittekimasu' when you are just heading to a meeting. Another interesting comparison is with お邪魔します (Ojama shimasu), which is said when entering someone else's home. While 'Ittekimasu' is for leaving your own space, 'Ojama shimasu' is for entering someone else's. They are both part of the essential 'aisatsu' toolkit that defines Japanese social boundaries.

Ittekimasu vs. Shitsurei shimasu

Ittekimasu implies return; Shitsurei shimasu is a general polite exit.

Finally, let's look at 行って戻ります (Itte modorimasu). This is a more literal way to say 'I will go and return.' It is rarely used as a greeting and sounds more like a factual statement of your itinerary. 'Ittekimasu' has been idiomatized into a fixed greeting, so it carries much more social weight than the literal 'Itte modorimasu.' For learners, the key is to recognize that 'Ittekimasu' is a set phrase. You don't need to change the verbs or the tense in most daily situations. It is a stable, reliable piece of language that, once mastered, will make you sound much more natural and integrated into Japanese society. By understanding these similar words, you can see the specific niche that 'Ittekimasu' occupies: the ritual of temporary departure from a place of belonging.

Ittekimasu vs. Itte modorimasu

Ittekimasu is a social greeting; Itte modorimasu is a factual description.