Japanese Phrases - What To Say When Saying Farewell in Japan

By Emily Kato

If you have to inform someone that you are returning home and leaving Japan for good, you would use the phrase 'Kuni e kaerimasu'. If it is in the future, say in the summer holidays that you are leaving, you would say 'Natsuyasumi ni kuni e kaerimasu'.

However if you are not certain, and would like to just say that you may well be going back, you can say 'Kotoshi, tabun kuni ni kaerimasu', which means 'I will possibly go back home to my country this year'.

You would probably want to thank your hosts, friends or colleagues and to say 'Thank-you for everything' in Japanese, you would say 'Iroiro arigato gozaimashita'. Japanese are very proud of their country and would be very pleased to hear 'Nihon wa yokatta desu' - 'I had a great time in Japan'.

Finally you can say 'Sayonara'. 'Sayonara' is not a word that you would typically use while in Japan to people that you think you may meet again soon. But if you are not sure if or when you may meet the person, it is the right word to say 'Good Bye'. You may want to follow up with 'Itsu made mo ogenki de'. This means 'Please keep well forever'.

Some other useful phrases you may perhaps use at this time 'O ki o tsukete' - 'Take care of yourself', 'Minna ni yoroshiku' - 'Give my regards to everyone' and finally 'Kaette kara, tegami o kakimasu' - 'When I get home, I will write a letter'. - 30216

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here