意味
A polite phrase to acknowledge someone's effort or work, often when they finish.
文化的背景
The phrase is the 'lubricant' of the office. Even if you haven't done much work, saying it acknowledges that you are part of the team and respect the collective effort. In 'Bukatsu' (school clubs), juniors must say this loudly to seniors to show respect for their training effort. On Japanese Twitter, people use #お疲れ様 to find community after work. It's a way to seek 'iyashi' (healing/comfort) from strangers. This is a major cultural hurdle. 'Gokurousama' implies the speaker is evaluating the listener's work from a position of power. Avoid it unless you are certain of your seniority.
The 'Desu' vs 'Deshita' Rule
If you're unsure, 'Otsukaresama desu' is almost always safe during the day. Save 'deshita' for the very last interaction of the day.
The Boss Trap
Never, ever say 'Gokurousama' to someone higher than you. It's the fastest way to sound accidentally arrogant!
意味
A polite phrase to acknowledge someone's effort or work, often when they finish.
The 'Desu' vs 'Deshita' Rule
If you're unsure, 'Otsukaresama desu' is almost always safe during the day. Save 'deshita' for the very last interaction of the day.
The Boss Trap
Never, ever say 'Gokurousama' to someone higher than you. It's the fastest way to sound accidentally arrogant!
The Response
When someone says 'Otsukaresama' to you, the most natural response is to say it right back to them.
Email Etiquette
90% of internal Japanese business emails start with 'お疲れ様です。' followed by the sender's name.
自分をテスト
Match the phrase to the correct time of day.
You are leaving the office at 6:00 PM. What do you say to your coworkers?
Since the workday is finished (past tense), 'deshita' is the most appropriate choice.
Choose the most appropriate response.
Your boss says to you: 'プレゼン、お疲れ様でした！' How do you reply?
You should return the phrase and add a thank you. Never say 'Gokurousama' or the casual 'Otsukare' to a boss.
Fill in the missing part of the casual greeting.
After a long gym session, you say to your friend: '今日（ ）！'
With friends, the shortened 'Otsukare' is natural and friendly.
Complete the office dialogue.
田中：お先に失礼します。 あなた：（ ）。
When someone leaves the office, the standard response is 'Otsukaresama deshita'.
🎉 スコア： /4
ビジュアル学習ツール
Usage Situations
Work
- • Leaving office
- • Ending meeting
- • Internal email
Social
- • After sports
- • Nomikai toast
- • Club activities
練習問題バンク
4 問題You are leaving the office at 6:00 PM. What do you say to your coworkers?
Since the workday is finished (past tense), 'deshita' is the most appropriate choice.
Your boss says to you: 'プレゼン、お疲れ様でした！' How do you reply?
You should return the phrase and add a thank you. Never say 'Gokurousama' or the casual 'Otsukare' to a boss.
After a long gym session, you say to your friend: '今日（ ）！'
With friends, the shortened 'Otsukare' is natural and friendly.
田中：お先に失礼します。 あなた：（ ）。
When someone leaves the office, the standard response is 'Otsukaresama deshita'.
🎉 スコア： /4
よくある質問
10 問Yes, it is very common to say 'Otsukaresama deshita' to a teacher at the end of a lesson.
'Desu' is for ongoing work or greetings during the day. 'Deshita' is for work that is completely finished.
No, it's better to say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' or 'Gochisousama deshita'.
Usually no, unless they just finished a big task like moving furniture or a long drive. It's mostly for 'outside' groups.
You still say it! It's a ritual greeting, not a literal assessment of your productivity.
Yes, always use the full 'Otsukaresama desu/deshita' with superiors.
It functions as a 'hello' that acknowledges you are both currently working hard.
No, use 'Ohayou gozaimasu' (Good morning) or 'Yoroshiku onegaishimasu' (Please treat me well).
It's becoming more common, but 'Gokurousama' is actually what older people say to them. As a learner, 'Arigatou' is safest.
Start with 'お疲れ様です。' then your name, e.g., 'お疲れ様です。佐藤です。'
関連フレーズ
お{先|さき}に{失礼|しつれい}します
builds onExcuse me for leaving before you
ご{苦労様|くろうさま}
similarGood job (top-down)
お{大事|だいじ}に
contrastTake care (of your health)
お{待|ま}たせしました
similarSorry to have kept you waiting
おつ
specialized formOtsu (slang)
