行ってきます

[Tomii515]

When Japanese people leave their house do they really say 行ってきます to whomever's there when they're leaving? And the person replies 行ってらっしゃい, right?

It just sounds weird in English, which is why I'm asking. And I'm just wondering if they say this when they leave their house and whomever they're saying it to says that back. I'm sure they do, because it says so in the book, and I know everything doesn't translate directly to English, so yeah...

ありがとう！

 

[nice gaijin]

this is just one example of what's called 決まり文句, or set phrases. Don't concern yourself with translations, it's just like saying "I'm heading out, see you later." Whereas we might have several different ways of saying this or not say it at all, it's ubiquitous in Japan, and there's really only one way to say it (not counting conjugations due to levels of politeness).

And yes, they really do say it all the time.

 

[Tomii515]

Ahh ok.
Thanks! ^_^

So, basically, if a Japanese person was leaving their house, whomever was there, they would say that to? And then the person being spoken to will say the other phrase back? Right?

Alright. I understand now :'D haha
thanks~

 

[nice gaijin]

when I lived with my host family, whenever I left the house I would just call out 行ってきます, and if anyone was home, they would respond with 行ってらっしゃい. What's even more important, perhaps, is announcing your return. If they didn't hear my ただいま！, I would startle them when I walk into the living room.

 

[Tomii515]

when I lived with my host family, whenever I left the house I would just call out 行ってきます, and if anyone was home, they would respond with 行ってらっしゃい. What's even more important, perhaps, is announcing your return. If they didn't hear my ただいま！, I would startle them when I walk into the living room.

Hahaha. That's kool.

Whenever I leave my house I just leave, and whenever I come home I just roam my house. haha

So, you should just say 行ってきます when you're leaving, and if anyone's home, they'll respond with 行ってらっしゃい.
And then, when you come home, you say ただいま, and they'll respond with お帰りなさい.

OK. Hahaha. I think that's soo kool xD
I'm such a geek