What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a highly polite imperative form of the verb irassharu, which means to come, go or be present. Literally, it means "please come/be present".
Which one should you use?
While いらっしゃいませ is the standard for professional service, the shorter version いらっしゃい is used in much more casual settings, such as a small local stall or by a shopkeeper who knows the customer.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
いらっしゃいませ is a formal way to say welcome to the store. In contrast, いらっしゃい is a shortened and less formal version and ようこそ is a versatile phrase that can be used both formally and informally.
How do you pronounce it?
irasshaimase
When do people say it?
When staff use this greeting, customers are not expected to respond with words. A simple nod or ignoring the greeting is the standard social response.
Did you know?
- The phrase ends with ませ, which is the imperative form of a formal suffix. This means the greeting is technically a command to the customer.
- The phrase is designed to linguistically elevate the customer to a higher social position than the staff member speaking.
- In traditional fish markets or izakayas, staff may shout いらっしゃいませ in a rhythmic cadence to intentionally create a noisy and lively energy.
Examples in context
- いらっしゃいませ、こんにちは。Irasshaimase, konnichiwa.Welcome, hello.
- いらっしゃいませ、お探し物ですか？Irasshaimase, osagashimono desu ka?Welcome, are you looking for something?
Example conversation
Ren enters a small boutique where Misaki is working.
- 美咲 Misakiいらっしゃいませ！Irasshaimase!Welcome!
- 蓮 Renこんにちは、何かいい服を探しています。Konnichiwa, nani ka ii fuku o sagashite imasu.Hello, I am looking for some nice clothes.
- 美咲 Misakiかしこまりました。こちらへどうぞ。Kashikomarimashita. Kochira e douzo.Certainly. Please come this way.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry いらっしゃいませ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
