おかえり

• Reading: おかえり
• Romaji: okaeri
• Pronunciation: /o.ka.e.ɾi/

Meaning

Welcome back — said to someone who has just returned home or to a group.

おかえり is the casual form of おかえりなさい and is part of the iconic ただいま/おかえり exchange that defines Japanese homecoming culture. It is not limited to physical homes — it is also used when someone returns to an online chat, a group activity, or even a favourite restaurant. The exchange carries deep cultural significance about belonging and being welcomed.

Examples

1. おかえり！ご飯できてるよ。 Welcome back! Dinner's ready.
2. おかえり〜、仕事どうだった？ Welcome home! How was work?
3. 配信に戻ってきた、おかえり！ They're back on the stream — welcome back!

Usage Guide

Context: home, friends, online communities, streaming

Tone: warm, welcoming

Do Say

• おかえり！今日遅かったね (Welcome back! You're late today)
• おかえり〜、お風呂先にする？ (Welcome home~ Want to take a bath first?)

Don't Say

• 初対面の人に「おかえり」は使わない — 親しい間柄で使う表現 (Don't use おかえり with strangers — it's for people you're close to)

Common Mistakes

• Not knowing the expected response — when someone says おかえり, the returner has already said ただいま
• Using おかえり with people you don't know well — it implies a close, welcoming relationship

Origin & History

Shortened from おかえりなさい (okaerinasai), from 帰る (kaeru, to return). Part of the traditional ただいま/おかえり exchange deeply rooted in Japanese family culture.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional, used for centuries

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. The ただいま/おかえり exchange is one of the most culturally significant daily rituals in Japanese life.