Yuka行く and 行ってくる — both involve going somewhere, but 行ってくる has an important nuance that 行く alone doesn’t capture. Do you know the difference?
Rei行く (iku) simply means to go. 行ってくる (ittekuru) means to go AND come back — you’re telling someone you’re heading out but will return. It’s built into the meaning!
| 行く (iku) | 行ってくる (ittekuru) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To go | To go (and come back) |
| Return implied? | No | Yes — I’ll be back |
| Context | Going somewhere generally | Telling someone you’re heading out temporarily |
| Example | 学校に行く。 | ちょっと買い物に行ってくる。 |
行く — Simply Going
行く (iku) means to go. It does not imply anything about returning. It simply describes movement toward a destination.
- 学校に行く。— I go to school.
- 明日、東京に行きます。— I’m going to Tokyo tomorrow.
- 彼はどこに行ったの?— Where did he go?
行ってくる — Going and Coming Back
行ってくる combines 行く (go) + てくる (coming back / doing something and returning). It signals that you are going out temporarily and will return — reassuring the listener.
- ちょっとコンビニに行ってくる。— I’m popping to the convenience store (and coming back).
- トイレに行ってくるね。— I’m going to the bathroom (be right back).
- 行ってきます！— I’m heading out! (Standard phrase said when leaving home)
行ってきます — A Key Fixed Phrase
行ってきます is the standard phrase said when leaving home (or an office). The response is 行ってらっしゃい (Have a safe trip / See you later). This exchange is one of the most fundamental daily Japanese routines.
- （家を出るとき）行ってきます！— I’m off! (Leaving the house)
- （見送るとき）行ってらっしゃい。— Take care! / See you later.
The てくる Grammar Pattern
The grammar 〜てくる means to do something and come back, or that something is coming toward you/here. With motion verbs:
- 行ってくる — go and come back
- 買ってくる — go buy (and bring it back)
- 調べてくる — go find out (and come back with the info)
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English speakers often use 行く alone in situations where 行ってくる is more natural. If you’re stepping away briefly and will return — whether to get coffee, use the bathroom, or run an errand — 行ってくる is the natural choice. 行く alone can sound like you’re leaving without confirming you’ll be back.
Quick Quiz
Which phrase is more natural for telling your friend “I’m just going to grab a drink” (and coming back)?
Answer: 行ってくる — ちょっと飲み物取ってくる。
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