1.
welcome back, welcome home
A set phrase said to someone who has just returned home or to a place. It is the standard response to ただいま.
お帰りなさい is the standard greeting said to someone returning home, functioning as the response to ただいま.
Formality levels
- お帰り: casual (family, close friends)
- お帰りなさい: polite (standard)
- お帰りなさいませ: very formal (hotel/shop staff)
Usage
This exchange is a daily ritual in Japanese households:
- Returning person: 「ただいま」
- Person at home: 「お帰りなさい」
Cultural note
The phrase literally means "please return" (from 帰る). It welcomes someone back to a shared space, whether home, office, or other regular location. Some workplaces also use this greeting when colleagues return from outside meetings.