As a Japanese person, there’s a phrase I probably say more than ten times a day.
It’s a word I use when I see a coworker, when I finish a meeting, and even when I say goodbye to a friend after coffee.
That magical, all-purpose phrase is “Otsukaresama desu” (お疲れ様です).
I know many of my foreign friends find this phrase incredibly confusing.
Is it “hello”? Is it “goodbye”? Is it “good work”?
Well, my answer is: it’s all of them, and so much more.
My “Otsukaresama” Day
Let me tell you about my day yesterday to show you what I mean.
Morning: The Greeting
I walked into my office and saw my colleague, Tanaka-san, already at his desk.
“Ohayo gozaimasu,” I said, which means “Good morning.”
He replied, “Ohayo gozaimasu, Machiko-san. Otsukaresama desu.”
Wait, he just said “Otsukaresama”?
Yes. In this context, it was his way of acknowledging that I, too, had come to work.
It’s a greeting that says, “I see you are here to work hard, just like me. We are in this together.”
Afternoon: The Acknowledgment
Later, I finished a difficult presentation.
My boss came over and said, “Otsukaresama deshita.” (The past tense version).
This was closer to the direct translation of “Thank you for your hard work.”
It was his way of recognizing the effort I had just put in.
It felt much warmer and more personal than just “Good job.”
Evening: The Goodbye
At 6 PM, I was packing my bag to leave the office.
I turned to my colleagues who were still working and said, “Osaki ni shitsureishimasu. Otsukaresama desu.” (“Excuse me for leaving first. Otsukaresama desu.”)
They replied, “Otsukaresama deshita.”
Here, “Otsukaresama” acted as a goodbye.
It means, “You worked hard today, have a good rest,” and also “Thank you for your work, I will finish up here.”
The True Meaning is Empathy
So, what is the core of “Otsukaresama”?
I believe the true meaning is empathy.
It’s a way to mutually acknowledge each other’s labor and shared experience.
It builds a sense of community and understanding without needing many words.
When you don’t know what to say, “Otsukaresama desu” is almost always a safe and kind option.
It might seem mysterious, but once you start using it, you’ll feel its unique warmth.
Want to Dive Deeper into Japanese?
Japanese is full of interesting and nuanced phrases like “Otsukaresama desu.”
If this story has sparked your curiosity and you want to explore the world of the Japanese language more deeply, starting with a good textbook is one of the best ways to build a strong foundation.
Learning the fundamentals can help you understand the culture behind the words.
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Understanding unique Japanese phrases is one thing, but knowing the essential greetings is just as important for daily life.
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