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Have you said “Ittekimasu” (I’m leaving) to your family today?
And when you returned home, did you open the door with an “Tadaima” (I’m home)?
The four phrases—Ittekimasu, Itterasshai, Tadaima, and Okaerinasai—that we exchange daily are as essential to Japanese life as air.
However, when we delve deeper into these greetings, we realize they are not just customs or etiquette.
They are a deeply ingrained ritual in Japan for confirming “security” and “affection,” a magical set of words that profoundly impact our emotional well-being.
In this article, we will unpack the profound meanings embedded in these four indispensable phrases of Japanese daily life and explore the heartwarming effect they have on our hearts and minds.
1. The “Pledge of Love” in the Words of Departure
The pair of Ittekimasu (I’m leaving) and Itterasshai (Safe journey, come back) exchanged upon leaving the home is a concentration of the Japanese spirit of “wishing for safety.”
“Ittekimasu!”: A Resolution for Oneself and a Promise to Others
The literal meaning of Ittekimasu is “I will go, and then I will certainly come back.”
This is far more than a simple “Goodbye.” It’s a “declaration of resolve” and a “mental separation” as one leaves the safety of home for the uncertainty of the outside world (society).
Crucially, it is also a “pledge of safe return” to the family—a small “pledge of love” that says, “I am leaving this place temporarily, but I will return safely.”
This simple phrase allows us to step out into the world with confidence.
“Itterasshai!”: A Message of Watchfulness and Vitality
In response, Itterasshai means, “Please go safely, and please return safely.” This phrase is imbued with the sender’s care and affection, wishing for a safe journey.
Unlike “Goodbye” in English, which often signifies a simple farewell, Itterasshai carries the warm message: “We are watching over you.”
Hearing this upon leaving reassures us that there are people who genuinely care. This message of watchfulness acts as the vitality and courage we need to engage with the world outside.
2. The “Recharge of the Soul” Provided by the Words of Return
After a day out, when you return home physically and mentally tired, the exchange of Tadaima and Okaerinasai instantly heals and “recharges our soul.”
“Tadaima!”: Reporting Safety and Releasing Tension
The outside world, while offering joy and stimulation, is constantly accompanied by tension and stress.
Tadaima (literally, “Right now”) is a report of one’s presence to the family: “I have returned safely to this safe place.”
By uttering this word, we initiate the “switch back” to our true selves, releasing the tension and roles we played outside.
It is a vital signal that confirms the return to the “safe base” (safety net) that is home.
“Okaerinasai! (Okaeri!)”: A Message of Welcome and Acceptance
To the person returning, Okaerinasai (Welcome home) brings comfort and joy that surpasses everything else.
This phrase is a condensation of messages like, “We were waiting for you,” “Your place is right here,” and “You’ve worked hard outside.”
It communicates welcome and acceptance.
It is the moment we deeply feel a sense of belonging—the feeling of being accepted and needed.
Whether this warm phrase is exchanged or not can significantly alter how quickly the day’s fatigue is healed.
3. The “Invisible Benefits” of the Greetings: Emotional Stability and Security
These four greetings have “invisible effects” that contribute to the stability of our lives, beyond just their emotional impact.
〇 The “Foundation” of Communication
In today’s busy society, it is often difficult for family members to have deep conversations.
However, simply exchanging the four phrases confirms mutual safety and acknowledges each other’s existence.
This is a uniquely Japanese form of “brief yet profound” communication that allows feelings to be conveyed without extensive talk, thus building the “foundation” for daily interactions.
〇 The “Stability” of Continuous Routine
We find the greatest comfort in the continuation of our “ordinary daily life.”
The routine of exchanging Ittekimasu at a regular time and Okaerinasai in a familiar way provides us with the sense of stability that “daily life remains intact,” supporting our emotional peace.
〇 Family “Security and Welfare Check”
The act of saying greetings aloud also plays a crucial role in sharing the family’s status (e.g., who is home) and timing (e.g., expected return time).
Without this greeting, it might be too late to notice a family member’s distress.
Exchanging voices of safety serves as a welfare check for family members and enhances security awareness in the home.
Conclusion: Let’s Cherish the Warmth of Our Daily Greetings
Ittekimasu, Itterasshai, Tadaima, and Okaerinasai.
These four simple words are an invaluable treasure that brings richness and emotional stability to our daily lives.
From today, when you exchange these greetings, let’s consciously feel the “love wishing for safety” and the “relief of reunion” embedded within each word.
Your Itterasshai can become someone’s courage for the day.
Your Okaerinasai can become someone’s healing balm for fatigue.
Let us continue to cherish these magical words and cultivate a warm daily life.
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| Many people tell me that they only start feeling confused after leaving Japan. If you’re still thinking about something that didn’t quite make sense, I sometimes talk with people privately to help interpret those experiences from a cultural point of view. |