おかえりなさい
okaerinasai
The Japanese phrase for "hello, welcome back" is おかえりなさい (okaerinasai).
This phrase is used to welcome someone who has returned home or to a place where they belong.
Which one should you use?
The shortened form おかえり is used with friends and family, whereas おかえりなさい is more polite and suitable for guests or superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
okaerinasai
Did you know?
- In some Japanese households, the phrase おかえりなさい is said to pets or even inanimate objects being brought home to acknowledge their return to the family circle.
- The verb root in this phrase, かえる, is a homophone that can mean 'to return', 'to change', or 'to exchange' depending on the kanji used.
- The honorific prefix お attached to the beginning of おかえりなさい transforms a simple verb into a gesture of respect and care for the person who has endured the effort of traveling.
Examples in context
- おかえりなさい。Okaerinasai.Welcome home.
- 遅かったですね、おかえりなさい。Osokatta desu ne, okaerinasai.You're late, welcome back.
- あ、おかえりなさい！A, okaerinasai!Ah, welcome back!
Example conversation
Yui greets Hiroto as he returns home from work.
- 結衣 Yuiおかえりなさい、大翔さん。Okaerinasai, Hiroto-san.Welcome back, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoただいま。Tadaima.I'm home.
- 結衣 Yui今日もお疲れ様でした。Kyou mo otsukaresama deshita.Good job today.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、結衣。Arigatou, Yui.Thank you, Yui.
