行ってきます
A: じゃあ、行ってきます！ B: はい、行ってらっしゃい。
A: Well, I'm off! B: Okay, see you later.
A polite phrase said when leaving home or departing, indicating one is going out and will return later.
母：行ってきます。 子：行ってらっしゃい。
Mother: I'm off. Child: See you later.
A: もう出かけるね。 B: 行ってきます、と言って。
A: I'm going out now. B: (to others) I'm off.
Often paired with the response 行ってらっしゃい (itte rasshai).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural context
This phrase reflects Japanese social etiquette emphasizing politeness and consideration for others' time. It’s similar to saying 'I’m heading out' in English but carries a stronger sense of 'I’ll return.'
Gold Rule
When to use
Use 行ってきます when leaving your home or workplace temporarily. It’s not used for permanent departures (e.g., moving away).
Word Origin
Composed of 行って (te-form of 行く 'to go') and きます (polite form of 来る 'to come'), implying 'I go and will come back.'
Usage Notes
Used by the person leaving. The response 行ってらっしゃい is used by those staying behind. Common in family or close-knit settings.