1.
welcome; come in
A standard greeting used by staff in shops, restaurants, and other businesses when a customer enters. Derived from the honorific verb いらっしゃる (to be/come/go).
いらっしゃいませ。
Welcome.
いらっしゃいませ、何名様ですか。
Welcome. How many in your party?
One of the most frequently heard expressions in daily life in Japan. Said by staff when a customer enters a shop, restaurant, or business.
Etymology
Derived from いらっしゃる, the honorific form of 来る (to come) / いる (to be). The ませ ending adds polite invitation.
Response
Customers do not need to reply. A slight nod or smile is sufficient.
Forms
- いらっしゃい: less formal version (small shops, welcoming someone home)
- いらっしゃいませ〜: drawn-out, sing-song style (busy shops, izakaya)
Usage
- In busy restaurants and shops, multiple staff may call this out in unison
- Also used when a customer approaches a counter or when acknowledged for the first time
- Not used between equals — strictly a service/hospitality greeting