ただいま
tadaima
The English phrase "I am home" is translated into Japanese as ただいま (tadaima).
ただいま is a phrase used to announce your arrival when you get home.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ただいま is a shortened form of tadaima koko ni imasu, which literally means "just now" or "right now".
Which one should you use?
Use ただいま to announce that you have arrived, whereas おかえり is used by those already inside to welcome you.
How do you pronounce it?
tadaima
When do people say it?
When you arrive home, you say ただいま to let others know you are back. The people in the household will typically respond with either the informal おかえり or the polite おかえりなさい.
Did you know?
- Even if you are the only person in the house, it is a common habit for Japanese people to say ただいま to an empty room. This acts as a way to reset one's mental state from the outside world to the private sphere.
- The phrase ただいま is used almost exclusively when entering one's own residence. Using it when arriving at a friend's house or a workplace would sound strangely possessive, as if you are claiming the space as your own.
- The polite version, ただいま戻りました (tadaima modorimashita), is used in professional settings when a person returns to their desk or office after an errand.
Examples in context
- ただいま！I'm home!
- ただいま戻りました。Tadaima modorimashita.I have returned home.
- ただいま、お腹が空いたよ。Tadaima, onaka ga suita yo.I'm home, and I'm hungry.
Example conversation
Youta returns to the apartment where Yui is waiting.
- 陽太 Yotaただいま！Tadaima!I'm home!
- 結衣 Yuiおかえり、陽太。Okaeri, Youta.Welcome back, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota今日は疲れたよ。Kyou wa tsukareta yo.I'm tired today.
- 結衣 Yuiお疲れ様。ゆっくり休んで。Otsukaresama. Yukkuri yasunde.Good job today. Get some rest.
