What does it mean word for word?
The phrase いつ帰ってきますか? is composed of itsu (when), kaette (the te-form of "to return"), kimasu (to come) and ka (the question particle).
Which one should you use?
While いつ帰ってきますか? is the standard polite form, you can use いつ戻ってきますか? if the focus is on returning to a specific point or state rather than returning home. For casual situations, you can use いつ戻るの or いつ帰ってくるの.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form いつ帰ってきますか? is polite and suitable for speaking to colleagues, acquaintances or strangers. For highly formal and respectful situations, you should use いつお戻りになりますか. In casual settings with friends or family, the polite kimasu ka is dropped in favor of the dictionary form or the casual question いつ帰ってくる？
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, speakers often use いつ戻ってくるん？ to ask this question.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form uses the polite masu form, which is appropriate for standard polite conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
itsu kaette kimasu ka?
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers often omit the subject 'you' entirely in this question. Because the context implies who is returning, adding 'anata' (you) can actually make the phrase sound accusatory or overly formal, as if you are interrogating the person.
- The phrase can be used as a way to express loneliness or a desire for someone's company. In many romantic contexts, asking 'when are you coming back?' is less about the schedule and more about saying 'I miss you'.
- When asking a superior いつお戻りになりますか, the verb is transformed into a 'respectful' form that effectively removes the speaker from the action. This linguistic distance shows that the return is an act of the superior, which the speaker is observing with deference.
Examples in context
- 田中さん、いつ戻られますか？Mr./Ms. Tanaka, when will you come back?
- お客様、いつお戻りになりますか？Customer, when will you come back?
- いつ戻るの？When will you come back?
- いつ帰ってくるの？When are you coming back?
- 出張先からいつ帰ってきますか？shutchousaki kara itsu kaette kimasu ka?When are you coming back from your business trip?
- 旅行からいつ帰ってきますか？ryokou kara itsu kaette kimasu ka?When are you coming back from your trip?
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking on the phone while Himari is traveling.
- 健太 Kenta旅行は楽しんでいますか？ryokou wa tanoshinde imasu ka?Are you enjoying your trip?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても楽しいです。hai, totemo tanoshii desu.Yes, it is very fun.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんはいつ帰ってきますか？Himari-san wa itsu kaette kimasu ka?When are you coming back, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himari来週の月曜日に帰ります。raishuu no getsuyoubi ni kaerimasu.I will return next Monday.
