There are some common Japanese greetings used in every Japanese household. These greetings are some of the first phrases taught to Japanese children and adults will continue to say them for the rest of their lives. It is said that a language is a direct reflection of the culture from which it is derived. These household phrases definitely reflect Japanese culture and hold much deeper meanings than their literal English translations.
One thing an American will experience quickly when in a relationship with a Japanese woman is that the expression of affection and love that is conveyed through subtle gestures and actions will also be conveyed in her using these common greetings in your home. There is a lot of love, affection and at heart of these expressions that are easy to miss if you are not aware of their true meaning.
Tadaima and Okaeri
Upon returning home a person entering the house will say “Tadaima.” The occupants of the house will then respond “Okaeri.” When translated into English, “Tadaima” means “I’m home” and the response “Okaeri” means “Welcome back.”
However, the deeper meaning of “Tadaima” and “Okaeri” is lost in the translation. What most non-Japanese do not understand about these greetings cannot be fully translated into English. The greetings “Tadaima” and “Okaeri” have a deep and soulful meaning to Japanese.
“Tadaima” means more than just “Honey, I’m home!” It is really an announcement to your loved one that you have come home safely and are joyful to be reunited her once again. It does not matter if the absence was short or long, or if the distance was near or far. Saying “Tadaima” when entering the home is an expression of affection and gratitude that you made it home safely to her. The return response given by her is “Okaeri.” It does not just simply mean “Welcome back.” Its deeper meaning expresses thanks and happiness that you have returned to her safely.
Many of these expressions are traditions that date back to Japan’s feudal samurai period when it was not certain if someone would return or not. The significance of reunion with loved ones is always given joyful recognition.
Ittekimasu and Itterashai
When translated into English “Ittekimasu” means “I’m leaving,” and “Itterashai” means “Take care.” These greetings are exchanged when someone is leaving the house. Again, it does not matter if the person will be gone for a long or short time or if the distance will be far or near. When you are leaving you would declare, “Ittekimasu,” and the loved one seeing you off would reply, “Itterashai.”
The deeper meaning of these greetings go far beyond the English translation. When saying “Ittekimasu,” its true meaning is, “I’m leaving but I promise to return to you safely, so do not worry.” It is a considerate expression of respect and affection. The expression given in reply, “Itterashai” is more than just “Take care.” The deeper meaning is, “Take care, I wish you a safe journey going there and a safe journey back to me.”
Itadakimas
“Itadakimas” is another common saying and was also covered in a previous blog. This expression is said before eating a meal and is a way of expressing thanks for the meal one is about to eat, similar to the custom of saying grace in western cultures. It can be translated to mean either “Let’s eat” and/or “I am humble and grateful to receive this meal.”
At a deeper level, “Itadakimas” conveys a great sense of gratitude for having food to eat. The gratitude extends beyond the mere food on one’s plate but also to everything and everyone that made it possible for that food to exist in the first place. From the sun that helped plants grow, to the rain that watered the plant, to the soil that nurtured it, to the farmers who tended it, to the grocers who provided it for sale, to your Japanese wife who actually cooked the meal so that it now appears on your plate.
There were periods in Japan’s history when food was scarce and it was difficult to know when your next meal would be or even if you would be having a next meal at all. In remembrance of those times, “Itadakimas” is a way to express great gratitude and recognition for how fortunate we are to have the meal we are about to eat.
Daijobu
“Daijobu” is included here because it is a simple one word saying that can have a number of meanings depending on how it is expressed. “Daijobu” in its literal translation to English means “O.K.”
“Daijobu” said alone can mean, “Everything is ok.”
But if asked in a compassionate, gentle, questioning manner, “Daijobu?” it conveys to your loved one that you are worried about her and concerned for her welfare. Her response to this can also be “Daijobu,” meaning “I am ok.” Often times, just asking her how she is doing when it seems like she is feeling down can mean alot to her and shows that you care. By simply asking her, “Daijobu?” you will provide her some comfort.
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