Meaning
A formal expression of good wishes for someone's future endeavors or projects.
Cultural Background
The phrase is part of 'Kiteiku-ku' (set phrases) that ensure business interactions remain smooth and predictable. Deviating from these can make you seem unprofessional. The term 'Oinori-mail' is a common slang among students. Getting 'prayed for' is a euphemism for being rejected. Even in digital spaces, Japanese professionals maintain high formality. This phrase is the most common comment on career milestone posts. When giving a 'Senbetsu' (farewell gift), it is common to include a card with this phrase written on it.
The 'Oinori' Power Move
If you want to sound like a native business pro, add '{心|こころ}より' (from the bottom of my heart) before the phrase.
Don't be too 'Prayery'
Remember this is a set phrase. Don't add religious details unless you are actually in a temple.
Meaning
A formal expression of good wishes for someone's future endeavors or projects.
The 'Oinori' Power Move
If you want to sound like a native business pro, add '{心|こころ}より' (from the bottom of my heart) before the phrase.
Don't be too 'Prayery'
Remember this is a set phrase. Don't add religious details unless you are actually in a temple.
The Rejection Context
Be careful using this if you are a manager talking to someone you just fired; it can sound incredibly sarcastic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing parts to complete the formal well-wish.
{今後|こんご}の（ ）{成功|せいこう}を（ ）{祈|いの}りしております。
The honorific prefix '{ご|ご}' is needed for '{成功|せいこう}', and the humble prefix '{お|お}' is needed for '{祈|いの}り'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you use '{ご|ご}{成功|せいこう}を{お|お}{祈|いの}りしております'?
This is a formal business expression, perfect for email closings.
Which of these is the MOST formal?
Select the most formal version of 'I wish you success'.
Option C uses both the honorific 'Go-' and the humble 'o...shite orimasu' form.
Complete the HR manager's rejection email.
HR: {残念|ざんねん}ながら、{今回|こんかい}はご{縁|えん}がありませんでした。____。
This is the standard 'Oinori' closing for a rejection letter.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Go-Seikou'
Business
- • Email closing
- • Project launch
- • Partnership
Ceremony
- • Graduation
- • Wedding
- • Retirement
Practice Bank
4 exercises{今後|こんご}の（ ）{成功|せいこう}を（ ）{祈|いの}りしております。
The honorific prefix '{ご|ご}' is needed for '{成功|せいこう}', and the humble prefix '{お|お}' is needed for '{祈|いの}り'.
When would you use '{ご|ご}{成功|せいこう}を{お|お}{祈|いの}りしております'?
This is a formal business expression, perfect for email closings.
Select the most formal version of 'I wish you success'.
Option C uses both the honorific 'Go-' and the humble 'o...shite orimasu' form.
HR: {残念|ざんねん}ながら、{今回|こんかい}はご{縁|えん}がありませんでした。____。
This is the standard 'Oinori' closing for a rejection letter.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is very appropriate for a formal letter or email to a professor or teacher.
Yes, but it's more common in writing. In speech, it's used in formal toasts or farewells.
'Orimasu' is the humble version of 'imasu', making it much more formal and respectful.
Because it's the standard ending for job rejections, so it's associated with bad news for job hunters.
Related Phrases
{幸運|こううん}を{祈|いの}ります
similarI wish you good luck.
{ご|ご}{多幸|たこう}を{お|お}{祈|いの}りします
similarI wish you much happiness.
{頑張|がんば}ってください
builds onPlease do your best.
{影|かげ}ながら{応援|おうえん}しております
similarI'm rooting for you from the shadows.
