Chinese phrases
How to say I’m home in Chinese
I’m home in Chinese is 我回来了 (wǒ huí lai le), literally “I’ve come back.” To text a friend that you got home safely, write 我到家了 (wǒ dào jiā le).
我回来了
I’m home; I’m back
Ways to say I’m home
我回来了
EverydayI’m home; I’m back
As you walk in the door, to your family or roommates. It also works when you get back to the office.
我回来啦
With friendsI’m back!
A lighter, warmer 我回来了 at home or with roommates. Family often answers with 回来啦.
我到家了
TextingI got home
The message you send after an evening out or a trip, so friends and family know you got back safely.
我在家呢
EverydayI’m at home
When someone asks where you are. It says where you are now, not that you just arrived.
What people say to you
回来了
you’re back
Family greets you with it at the door, often with a question: 吃饭了吗?
到家了吗
are you home yet?
A friend’s text after you part in the evening. Answer 到了.
到家说一声
let me know when you’re home
What friends and parents say as you leave. Then they wait for your 我到家了.
Common mistakes
Saying 我在家 as you walk in
我在家 means “I am at home,” a place, not an arrival. At the door, say 我回来了.
Texting 我回家了 when you have arrived
我回家了 often means “I’m heading home now.” Your friend may wait for a second message. To say you are there, write 我到家了.
Leaving out 了
我回来 sounds unfinished. The 了 marks the change: you were out, and now you are back.
Home for dinner
我回来了！
Leon: I’m home!
回来啦！吃饭了吗？
Grandma: You’re back! Have you eaten?
还没呢，好饿。
Leon: Not yet. I’m starving.
饭马上就好。
Grandma: Dinner’s almost ready.
