戻ってきます
Modotte kimasu
In Japanese, 'I will come back' is expressed as 戻ってきます (Modotte kimasu).
This phrase is a statement used to tell someone that you are leaving but intend to return to the current location. It is commonly used when stepping away from a desk or a meeting for a short period and intending to return to that exact spot. Unlike the English 'I will go back', 戻ってきます uses the verb 'to come', emphasizing that the speaker is returning to the current location of the listener.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it means 'return and come'.
Which one should you use?
While 戻ってきます focuses on returning to the listener's current location, other formal variations exist for specific intents. 後程戻ります specifically conveys the idea of 'I will return at a later time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
For a casual version used with friends or family members, you should use the dictionary form 戻ってくる.
How do you pronounce it?
Modotte kimasu
Did you know?
- The verb 戻る used in this phrase is the same word used for digital functions like 'rewind' or 'revert' on a computer. This connects the idea of returning to a physical location with returning to a previous state in time or data.
- In Japanese, the phrase used to return to a place you belong, like your home, uses the verb 帰る rather than 戻る. Using 戻ります for your own home would sound like you are merely returning to a physical coordinate rather than your own sanctuary.
- In a professional setting, the physical bow performed while saying 戻ってきます must match the specific level of politeness of the phrase. A mismatch between the words and the angle of the bow can be perceived as a social error.
Examples in context
- もうすぐ戻りますよI will be back soon
- すぐ戻ってきます。Sugu modotte kimasu.I will come back soon.
- 買い物に行って、すぐに戻ってきます。Kaimono ni itte, sugu ni modotte kimasu.I am going shopping and will come back soon.
Example conversation
Yui is leaving the office for a short break.
- 結衣 Yuiコンビニに行ってきます。すぐに戻ってきます。Konbini ni itte kimasu. Sugu ni modotte kimasu.I'm going to the convenience store. I will come back soon.
- 健太 Kentaわかりました。気をつけてください。Wakarimashita. Ki o tsukete kudasai.I understand. Please be careful.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
- 健太 Kentaいってらっしゃい。Itterasshai.See you later.
