What do you say when you go to work in the morning, go out for lunch, go running in the evening, head out on a date or travel for the weekend?
“Itte-kimasu” is an expression that means “I’ll be back” and you can use it when you head out somewhere. This phrase can be used anytime you leave a place, whether it’s your house or workplace. It also includes the premise that you will come back to the place in the near future.
“Itte-rassyai”, on the other hand, is the expression meaning “Have a nice day” or “I’ll see you later”, which you can use when you see someone off.
Doesn’t it feel better to say something like “Itte-kimasu” and “Itte-rassyai” than saying nothing when you or someone leaves? Let’s look at a conversation between a mother and a kid (Yuto).
Yuto : Mom! I’m meeting up with Kenji at 3pm at the park near our house.
Mother : That’s great. Let’s see… it’s only ten to three.
Yuto : Yeah, so I’m heading out. I will be back by 5pm as the latest.
Mother : Okay, be careful! See you later.
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