Meaning and Usage
"行ってらっしゃい" is a common Japanese phrase used to send someone off when they leave the house or go out. It literally means "Go and come back" and expresses a wish for the person's safe return. It is often said by family members or close friends.
Context and Register
This phrase is informal to semi-formal and used in everyday conversation, especially within families. It is not typically used in formal or business settings.
Common Collocations
- 行ってきます (Ittekimasu): The typical response meaning "I'm going and will come back."
- 行ってらっしゃいませ: A more polite form, rarely used in casual speech.
Usage Tips
When you say "行ってらっしゃい," you imply care and hope for the person's safe journey. It is often paired with "行ってきます" from the person leaving. Avoid using it for people you do not know well or in formal contexts.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "行ってらっしゃい" with a simple "goodbye," but it specifically implies the expectation of the person returning soon.