Korean Dictionary
How to say "I'm Back" in Korean
“I'm Back” in Korean is 다녀왔어요 (pronounced "Danyeowasseoyo").
다녀왔어요
Danyeowasseoyo
Usage & Context
다녀왔어요 is the standard phrase Koreans say when returning home, equivalent to the Japanese ただいま. The person at home typically responds with 어서 와 (eoseo wa), meaning 'welcome back.' This exchange is a deeply ingrained part of Korean home life.
Example Sentence
다녀왔어요! 오늘 많이 피곤해요.
I'm back! I'm really tired today.
How to use 다녀왔어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I'm Back” is 다녀왔어요, romanized as Danyeowasseoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 다녀왔어요.
Pronunciation Guide
다 (da) sounds like 'dah'. 녀 (nyeo) sounds like 'nyuh' (like 'new' but with an 'uh' sound). 왔 (wat) sounds like 'waht'. 어 (eo) sounds like 'uh'. 요 (yo) sounds like 'yo'. The whole phrase is 'dah-nyuh-waht-uh-yo', with '왔어요' flowing quickly.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
다녀왔습니다
Danyeowasseumnida
More formal, used in very polite or public settings, or when addressing elders/superiors.
Casual (반말)
다녀왔어
Danyeowasseo
Used among close friends, family, or to younger people.
More Example Sentences
A child returning home and greeting their mother.
엄마, 저 다녀왔어요! 배고파요.
Mom, I'm back! I'm hungry.
Returning to the office after an external meeting.
회의 다녀왔어요. 결과가 좋았어요.
I'm back from the meeting. The results were good.
Returning home from a trip and greeting family.
여행 잘 다녀왔어요. 선물 사왔어요!
I'm back from my trip. I brought souvenirs!
Cultural Context
This phrase is deeply embedded in Korean daily life, especially within families. It's the standard greeting upon returning home, similar to Japan's 'Tadaima.' The expected response is '어서 와' (eoseo wa) or '어서 오세요' (eoseo oseyo), meaning 'welcome back.' This exchange signifies a safe return and acknowledges the person's presence, fostering a sense of warmth and belonging.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 다녀왔어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
학교 다녀왔어요.
I'm back from school.
회사 다녀왔어요.
I'm back from work.
여행 잘 다녀왔어요.
I'm back from a good trip.
Related Expressions
어서 와
eoseo wa
Welcome back (casual response)
어서 오세요
eoseo oseyo
Welcome back (polite response)
잘 다녀와
jal danyeowa
Have a good trip/go well (casual farewell)
잘 다녀오세요
jal danyeooseyo
Have a good trip/go well (polite farewell)
More Greetings Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice I'm Back and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
