🚶‍♂️⏳

How to Say ‘I'll go for a moment.’ in Japanese

ちょっと行ってきます。

chotto itsu te ki masu

[CHOHT-toh eet te kee mahs]

💬 Usage Tip: 行ってきます literally means "go and come back," so it tells people you'll return. The small っ is a held beat: (itte), not (ite).

🇯🇵 In Japan: It's the same phrase people say every morning when leaving home; saying it when stepping away lets your group know you'll be right back.

Phrase Breakdown

ちょっと

chotto

[CHOHT-toh]

for a moment; briefly

Here it softens the statement, meaning the person will step away just for a short while.

Example

ちょっと待ってください。

Please wait a moment.

行ってきます。

itsu te ki masu

I'll go (and come back).

行ってきます (itte kimasu) means 'I'm going and will come back.' The small っ is a short pause: i-t-te.

Example

学校に行ってきます。

I'm off to school.

Words in this phrase

行っ

itsu

[eet]

go (te-form stem)

Part of 行って (te-form of 行く) used in the permission pattern.

Example

明日、学校に行ってもいいですか。

May I go to school tomorrow?

て

[te]

te-form ending

Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.

Example

ドアが開いて、入ります。

The door opens, and then I go in.

き

[kee]

come (stem)

き is from 来る (くる). In ～てきた it means “has come to be / has been (up to now).”

Example

この女がどれほど巨大な組織に追われてきたか分かったか。

Did you understand how huge an organization has been chasing this woman?

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager