お帰(かえ)りなさい

お帰(かえ)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(かえ)り: casual (family, close friends)
• お帰(かえ)りなさい: polite (standard)
• お帰(かえ)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(かえ)りなさい」

CULTURE:
The phrase literally means "please return" (from 帰(かえ)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.