irasshai

Irasshai is a Japanese greeting, commonly translated as "Welcome" or "Come in." It is typically used by shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and other service providers to welcome customers into their establishment. The phrase is an imperative form of the verb irassharu, which is a highly respectful way of saying "to be," "to go," or "to come."

The use of irasshai is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese hospitality culture, known as omotenashi. It signifies a warm and polite welcome, creating a positive first impression and encouraging customers to feel comfortable. While irasshai itself is a polite expression, its tone can vary depending on the context and the speaker's intonation. Often, it is delivered with a cheerful and energetic tone.

In addition to its literal meaning, irasshai can also be used to encourage customers to browse or make a purchase. For example, in a shop, a salesperson might say "irasshai" followed by a gesture towards the merchandise, inviting the customer to look around. In restaurants, it is almost always the first word a customer hears upon entering. The phrase is so ubiquitous that it is often one of the first Japanese phrases learned by tourists. Variations of irasshai exist, such as "irasshaimase," which is a more formal and emphatic version.