Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “leaving” in Japanese. Whether you’re a traveler, a student, or simply interested in the Japanese language and culture, this guide will provide you with useful tips, examples, and variations for both formal and informal situations. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to express “leaving” in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Leaving”
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language to show respect. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. さようなら (Sayōnara)
One of the most common and formal ways to say “goodbye” or “farewell” in Japanese is “さようなら” (Sayōnara). This expression is typically used when parting with someone you might not see for a while, such as colleagues, clients, or acquaintances.
Example: 卒業後は、学校の先生とお別れなので、さようならと言いました。
(After graduation, I said goodbye to my teachers at school, saying “Sayōnara”.)
2. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu)
Another formal phrase used when leaving is “失礼します” (Shitsurei shimasu), which can be translated as “Excuse me for leaving.” This expression is frequently used when leaving a meeting, someone’s house, or any formal gathering.
Example: 失礼しますが、他の予定が入っていますので、お先に失礼します。
(Excuse me for leaving, but I have other plans, so I’ll take my leave now.)
Informal Expressions for “Leaving”
Informal situations, such as leaving friends or family members, allow for a more relaxed tone. Let’s explore some informal ways to say “leaving” in Japanese:
1. またね (Mata ne)
“またね” (Mata ne) is a casual phrase used among friends and family, meaning “See you later” or “Goodbye for now.” It expresses a sense of anticipation for meeting the person again in the future.
Example: 今日は楽しかった！またね！
(Today was fun! See you later!)
2. 行ってきます (Itte kimasu) and 行ってらっしゃい (Itte rasshai)
These phrases are commonly used in households when someone is leaving home.
“行ってきます” (Itte kimasu) is said by the person leaving and means “I’m off” or “I’ll be back,” while “行ってらっしゃい” (Itte rasshai) is said by the person staying and means “Please go and come back safely.” The person leaving responds with “ただいま” (Tadaima) when they return.
Example:
Person leaving: 行ってきます！
(I’m off!)
Person staying: 行ってらっしゃい！
(Please go and come back safely!)
Regional Variations
Japan is a diverse country with regional variations in language and customs. While the above expressions are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s interesting to note some regional variations:
1. お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita)
In some regions, instead of using “さようなら” (Sayōnara), people say “お疲れ様でした” (Otsukaresama deshita). This phrase, which means “Thank you for your hard work,” is often used when leaving the workplace or bidding farewell to colleagues after work.
Example: 今日も頑張りましたね！お疲れ様でした！
(You worked hard today too! Thank you for your hard work!)
2. 行ってらしゃい (Itte rasshai)
In the Kansai region, people might say “行ってらしゃい” (Itte rasshai) instead of “行ってらっしゃい” (Itte rasshai). The meaning remains the same; it’s just a slight variation in pronunciation.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned a variety of ways to say “leaving” in Japanese. Remember, the key to using these phrases effectively is to consider the formality of the situation and the relationship between you and the person you are bidding farewell to. Whether you’re using the formal expressions like “さようなら” (Sayōnara) or the informal phrases like “またね” (Mata ne), your efforts to speak Japanese will surely be appreciated by the locals.
Don’t be afraid to practice these expressions, and soon enough, you’ll be confidently saying goodbye in Japanese. Best of luck with your language learning journey!
