いらっしゃい

• Reading: いらっしゃい
• Romaji: irasshai
• Pronunciation: /i.ɾaɕ.ɕa.i/

Meaning

Welcome; come in. A greeting used to welcome someone arriving at a place.

An interjection derived from the honorific verb いらっしゃる (to be, to come, to go). Used in two main contexts: (1) welcoming someone to your home or a gathering, and (2) as a shop greeting いらっしゃいませ (welcome to our store). The shorter form いらっしゃい is casual and warm, while いらっしゃいませ is the polite business version.

Examples

1. いらっしゃい、よく来たね。上がって。 Welcome! Glad you could make it. Come on in.
2. お店に入ると、店員がいらっしゃいませと言った。 When I entered the store, the clerk said 'Welcome!
3. 友達が来たので、いらっしゃいと声をかけた。 My friend came over, so I called out 'Welcome!

Usage Guide

Context: home, shops, hospitality

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Derived from the imperative form of いらっしゃる, an honorific verb meaning to be, come, or go. Originally from the classical verb いらせらる, a respectful expression directed at people of higher status.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal