“Otsukaresama” is a commonly used greeting in Japanese business and workplaces. Learn how to use “Otsukaresama” correctly.
Table of Contents
- “Otsukaresama” Meaning
- Where is “Otsukaresama” Used
- Alternatives to “Otsukaresama”
- How to Respond to “Otsukaresama”
- Other Japanese Business and Workplace Greetings
“Otsukaresama” Meaning
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“Otsukaresama (お疲れ様)” is a common Japanese word used in daily life. The phrase “Otsukaresama” is used to show appreciation and consideration of someone who looks tired, to acknowledge their hard work and effort. It is a common expression at Japanese workplaces and schools.
The origins of “Otsukaresama” are unknown, but there is a theory that it was used as an evening greeting, at a time when people are usually tired. Today, “Otsukaresama” can be used any time and in any place to make communication smoother.
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Where is “Otsukaresama” Used
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“Otsukaresama” is used when speaking to coworkers, family members and close friends. Examples of situations in which “Otsukaresama” is used are as follows:
“Otsukaresama” at Work
“Otsukaresama” is an expression used daily at workplaces. When a superior or colleague finishes a task or is heading home after work, you say “Otsukaresama” to show appreciation of their hard work. “Otsukaresama” is also used as a greeting, when passing by people at work and when you are leaving the office.
Apart from direct verbal communication, “Otsukaresama” is also used in emails and when texting. “Otsukaresama” is not used with people from outside your company. It is used to show appreciation for people close to you. When speaking to people from outside your company, you should say “Osewa ni natte orimasu (お世話になっております)”.
“Otsukaresama” with Family and Friends
“Otsukaresama” is also frequently used among family and close friends. We say “Otsukaresama” to friends who are tired and family members who finished doing chores. We also say “Otsuakresama” as a greeting when passing by friends and acquaintances on the streets or at school.
Alternatives to “Otsukaresama”
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While "Otsukaresama" is widely used, there are several alternatives depending on the formality and context of the situation:
Otsukare - お疲れ
The shortened version of “Otsukaresama” is “Otsukare” which is more casual. It comes across as a bit crude as it lacks the “sama” which makes it a formal phrase. “Otsukare” should only be used when speaking to family members, friends and close acquaintances. When speaking to superiors and people of higher position, say “Otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です)”.
Otsukaresama desu, Otsukaresama deshita - お疲れ様です・お疲れ様でした
The polite form of “Otsukaresama” is “Otsukaresama desu” and “Otsukaresama deshita”. They are used in business settings when speaking to superiors and persons of higher rank. “Otsukaresama deshita” is the past tense of “Otsukaresama desu”, used when someone has finished a task or is leaving work. It can also be used when referring to something someone has done in the past, for example: “Thank you for your hard work the other day” - 先日はお疲れ様でした (Senjitsu wa otsukaresama deshita).
Gokurousama desu, Gokurousama deshita - ご苦労様です・ご苦労様でした
“Gokurousama desu” carries the same meaning as “Otsukaresama”, that is to show appreciation for someone’s hard work. However, “Gokurousama desu” and “Gokurousama deshita” can only be used by superiors and people of higher positions when speaking to subordinates or younger people. It is very rude to use these phrases when speaking to your boss or superior.
How to Respond to “Otsukaresama”
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When a family, friend or acquaintance says “Otsukaresama” to you, an appropriate response is to return the greeting with the same phrase.
When a superior or person of higher position says “Otsukaresama” to you, you can also respond with “Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)” to express your thanks.
Also, when you have accomplished something together, you can congratulate each other by saying "Otsukaresama" or "Otsukaresama desu".
Other Japanese Business and Workplace Greetings
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In addition to "Otsukaresama," Japanese workplaces have a variety of greetings and expressions.
Ohayou gozaimasu - おはようございます
“Good morning”, used to greet colleagues when arriving at work. Note that even when starting work in the afternoon, evening or night, “Ohayou gozaimasu” is said as that timing constitutes the “start of the day” for them.
Osewa ni natte orimasu - お世話になっております
“Thank you for your continued support”, is a greeting used in correspondence with clients, partners and customers. Not just verbal, it is also used for telephone greetings and opening greetings in emails.
Shitsurei shimasu - 失礼します
“Excuse me”, is often used when entering or leaving a room to show politeness. An alternative is “Sumimasen (すみません)”, which can also be used to apologise and give thanks.
Itte mairimasu - 行ってまいります
Directly translates to “I’m going (and coming)”, but more accurately as “See you later, I’ll be back”. It is a phrase used when leaving the office during work hours for a work errand, site visit, etc. to convey to your colleagues and superiors that “I am leaving the office for a while”. It can be used regardless of whether you plan to return to the office after your errand or not, perhaps you will be heading straight home after your work errand. Respond to someone using this phrase with “Itterasshai (いってらっしゃい)”, which means “Take care”.
Tadaima modorimashita - ただいま戻りました
A set phrase with “Itte mairimasu” above. When returning to the office after completing your errand, use “Tadaima modorimashita” to inform everyone “I am back”. In response, colleagues will say to you “Okaerinasai (おかえりなさい)”, which means “Welcome back”.
Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu - お先に失礼します
Directly translated to “Excuse me for leaving first”, but more accurately as “I’m leaving for today”, this phrase is used when leaving work before your other colleagues for whatever reason. It carries the message of, “Apologies for leaving work before the rest of you”. To respond to someone saying “Osaki ni shitsurei shimnasu”, say “Otsukaresama desu” or “Otsukaresama deshita”.
To Close
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“Otsukaresama” is used in many situations to show appreciation to others. Workplace usage of “Otsukaresama” is particularly important to master for anyone working and living in Japan. Use “Otsukaresama” to ensure smooth communication in Japanese.
