戻ってくる
modotte kuru
The English phrase "I will be back" is expressed in Japanese using 戻ってくる (modotte kuru).
This phrase is used to inform someone that you are leaving a location temporarily with the intention of returning to that same spot.
How do you pronounce it?
modotte kuru
When do people say it?
When someone is leaving temporarily, a common standard response to wish them well on their departure and return is 行ってらっしゃい, which translates to "Please go and come back."
Did you know?
- While 戻ってくる is a literal way to say 'I will be back', it sounds somewhat clinical or detached. In a domestic setting, a person would more likely use 行ってきます, which literally means 'I will go and come'.
- The verb 戻る implies a return to a previous state or position, which is why it is used for both returning to a physical room and returning to a previous topic in a conversation.
- Japanese has a distinct concept of 'inside' and 'outside' groups, so the way you say 'i will be back' changes depending on whether you are leaving the 'inside' of your home or company.
Examples in context
- ちょっと外出しますが、すぐに戻ります。I am going out for a bit, but I will return immediately.
- マコト、ちょっと外に出るけど、たぶんすぐ戻るよ。Makoto, I'm going out for a bit, but I'll probably be back soon.
- すぐ戻ってくる。Sugu modotte kuru.I will be back soon.
- 夕食の前に戻ってくるよ。Yuushoku no mae ni modotte kuru yo.I will be back before dinner.
Example conversation
Kenta is leaving the house for a short errand.
- 結衣 Yuiどこに行くの？doko ni iku no?Where are you going?
- 健太 Kentaちょっと郵便局に用事があるから、すぐ戻ってくる。chotto yuubinkyoku ni youji ga aru kara, sugu modotte kuru.I have some business at the post office, so I'll be right back.
- 結衣 Yuiわかった。気をつけてね。wakatta. ki o tsukete ne.I understand. Take care.
- 健太 Kentaうん、行ってきます！un, ittekimasu!Yeah, I'm off!
