Gaining proficiency in expressing your willingness to go in Japanese is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey the phrase “I will go” in Japanese. While there are some regional variations, we will focus mainly on standard Japanese usage. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Will Go”
When it comes to formal language in Japanese, there are a few phrases you can use to express your intention to go somewhere. These phrases have polite and respectful connotations, which are ideal for formal situations such as business meetings, formal events, or when talking to people in positions of authority. Here are a few examples:
1. 行きます (Ikimasu)
Note: This is the most common and appropriate way to say “I will go” in formal situations.
The verb “to go” in Japanese is “行く” (iku). By conjugating it into the present tense formal form, it becomes “行きます” (ikimasu). You can use this phrase to express your intention to go to a specific place.
Example:
会議に行きます。
(Kaigi ni ikimasu.)
I will go to the meeting.
2. 参ります (Mairimasu)
Another polite way to say “I will go” is by using the phrase “参ります” (mairimasu). This phrase is often employed as a sign of respect towards the place you are going or the person you are speaking to. Here’s an example:
Example:
神社に参ります。
(Jinja ni mairimasu.)
I will go to the shrine.
Informal Ways to Say “I Will Go”
When speaking casually with friends, family, or people of similar status, you can use less formal language. Here are a couple of informal phrases you can employ to say “I will go” in Japanese:
1. 行くよ (Iku yo)
The phrase “行くよ” (iku yo) illustrates an informal way of saying “I will go” in Japanese. This version is commonly used among friends and peers in casual conversations.
Example:
映画館に行くよ。
(Eigakan ni iku yo.)
I will go to the movie theater.
2. 行くわ (Iku wa)
Using the phrase “行くわ” (iku wa) is another informal way to express your intention to go. This version is more commonly used by young people.
Example:
遊びに行くわ！
(Asobi ni iku wa!)
I will go to have fun!
Regional Variations
Japanese is a diverse language, and its dialects differ depending on regions. While we mainly focus on standard Japanese, it’s worth mentioning a few regional variations of how to say “I will go” as a fun bonus!
1. 行ってまいります (Ittemairimasu)
In the Kansai region, particularly in Osaka, people tend to use “行ってまいります” (ittemairimasu) as a polite way to say “I will go.”
Example:
お買い物に行ってまいります。
(Okaimono ni ittemairimasu.)
I will go shopping.
2. 行ってくるで (Ittekuru de)
In the Hiroshima and Yamaguchi regions, people often use “行ってくるで” (ittekuru de) as an informal way to express “I will go.” This phrase adds a local flavor to the conversation.
Example:
川に行ってくるで！
(Kawa ni ittekuru de!)
I will go to the river!
While regional variations can add depth and uniqueness to your language skills, they are not essential for everyday communication.
Final Tips
Whether you are using the formal or informal ways to say “I will go” in Japanese, remember the following tips:
- Pay attention to the context of the conversation and choose the appropriate level of formality.
- Add a polite ending particle such as “です” (desu) or “ます” (masu) in formal situations.
- When using informal phrases, be mindful of the relationship and familiarity with the person you’re speaking to.
- Practice pronunciation to ensure clarity when expressing your intentions.
- Try to incorporate these phrases in real-life situations and conversations to become more comfortable using them.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you will gradually become more confident expressing your intention to go in Japanese.
Remember that language learning is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Embrace the process and enjoy discovering the beauty of the Japanese language!
