行ってきた
itte kita
The Japanese phrase for "I have been" is 行ってきた (itte kita).
This phrase is used specifically to express that you have visited a certain place and have already returned from that trip.
Which one should you use?
While the English "I have been" can sometimes be translated using the simple past 行った (went), there is a subtle difference in focus. Using 行った focuses on the act of going, whereas 行ってきた emphasizes that the trip is complete and you are now back.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make this phrase polite, you change the final verb to its polite past form, resulting in 行ってきました.
How do you pronounce it?
itte kita
Did you know?
- When leaving the house, a Japanese person says 行ってきます (I'm going and coming back), and the person staying responds 行ってらっしゃい (please go and come back). This creates a linguistic loop that is only closed when the traveler returns and says 行ってきました.
- The phrase 行ってきた actually contains two verbs: one meaning 'to go' and one meaning 'to come'.
- The construction 〜てきた can be applied to other verbs to show a process that has led up to the present. For example, it can describe a feeling that has 'come to be' or a situation that has developed over time, not just physical travel.
Examples in context
- 駅に行ってきたとこなんだ。I have been to the station.This sentence is useful for saying you have been to the station using 行ってきた.Tatoeba #10039371 by bunbuku, translation #26017 by CC
- 友人を見送りに行ってきた所です。I have been to see my friend off.This sentence is useful for saying you have been to see a friend off using 行ってきた.Tatoeba #79344 by KK_kaku_, translation #324373 by CC
- 郵便局へ行ってきたところですよ。I have been to the post office.This sentence is useful for saying you have been to the post office using 行ってきた.Tatoeba #152467 by bunbuku, translation #262083 by CC
- 旅行 (りょこう) したことがあります。Travelled before.
- 旅行 (りょこう) しています。I have been traveling.
- 東京 (とうきょう) に 住 (す) んでいます。I have been living in Tokyo.
- 初詣 (はつもうで) に行 (い) ったことがある。I have been to Hatsumode.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
陽太 (Yota) meets 美咲 (Misaki) at home after a quick errand.
- 陽太 Yotaコンビニに行ってきたよ。Konbini ni ittekita yo.I have been to the convenience store.
- 美咲 Misakiおかえり。何か買ってきてくれたの？Okaeri. Nani ka katte kite kureta no?Welcome back. Did you buy something for me?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、美咲の好きなアイスを買ってきた。Un, Misaki no suki na aisu o katte kita.Yeah, I bought the ice cream you like, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiわあ、ありがとう！Waa, arigatou!Wow, thank you!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
