Meaning
A casual phrase to acknowledge someone's effort or work.
Cultural Background
Saying 'Otsukaresama' is part of 'Hou-Ren-So' (Report-Contact-Consult). It maintains the flow of communication. In school 'Bukatsu' (clubs), juniors (Kohai) must say it loudly to seniors (Senpai) to show respect for their training. In TV and film, 'Otsukaresama desu' is used as a greeting 24/7, even if it's the first time seeing someone that day. On platforms like X (Twitter), people use the hashtag #お疲れ様 to connect with others who just finished a long day.
The 'Desu' Rule
When in doubt, always add 'desu'. It's never wrong to be too polite in a Japanese office.
Avoid the 'Go'
Never say 'Gokurousama' to someone you don't manage. It can sound very patronizing.
Meaning
A casual phrase to acknowledge someone's effort or work.
The 'Desu' Rule
When in doubt, always add 'desu'. It's never wrong to be too polite in a Japanese office.
Avoid the 'Go'
Never say 'Gokurousama' to someone you don't manage. It can sound very patronizing.
Email Etiquette
Even if you are replying to an email sent 5 minutes ago, start with 'Otsukaresama desu'.
The Bow
A small nod or bow while saying this phrase makes it feel much more authentic.
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct form of the phrase.
You are leaving the office at 6 PM and your boss is still at his desk.
Since you are finishing your work for the day, the past tense 'deshita' is the most appropriate and polite choice.
Fill in the blank to make the sentence polite.
田中さん、お疲れ様（ ）。
Adding 'desu' makes the phrase polite and suitable for a workplace environment.
Which phrase should you NEVER say to your superior?
Select the incorrect phrase for a boss.
'Gokurousama' is a top-down phrase used by superiors to subordinates. It is considered rude to use it with a boss.
Complete the dialogue.
A: お先に失礼します。 B: （ ）。また明日。
When someone says they are leaving ('Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu'), the standard response is 'Otsukaresama deshita'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use Otsukaresama
Work
- • Office
- • Emails
- • Meetings
Social
- • Parties
- • Sports
- • Clubs
Kindness
- • Delivery
- • Moving help
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are leaving the office at 6 PM and your boss is still at his desk.
Since you are finishing your work for the day, the past tense 'deshita' is the most appropriate and polite choice.
田中さん、お疲れ様（ ）。
Adding 'desu' makes the phrase polite and suitable for a workplace environment.
Select the incorrect phrase for a boss.
'Gokurousama' is a top-down phrase used by superiors to subordinates. It is considered rude to use it with a boss.
A: お先に失礼します。 B: （ ）。また明日。
When someone says they are leaving ('Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu'), the standard response is 'Otsukaresama deshita'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to say 'Arigatou gozaimashita' or 'Shitsurei shimasu'. Some teachers find 'Otsukaresama' slightly too casual or workplace-oriented.
It doesn't matter! It's a greeting. If you are in a place of work, you say it.
No, that is too casual. Always use 'Otsukaresama desu' for superiors.
'Desu' is for greetings during the day. 'Deshita' is for when the work is finished or you are leaving.
Yes! It's perfect for that. 'Otsukare!' is very common after sports.
No, 'Arigatou' is better. You aren't 'working together' with the cashier.
Just say 'Otsukaresama desu' back! It's a reciprocal greeting.
Yes, especially in 'slice of life' or office-themed anime like 'Shirobako'.
Yes, it's very common in LINE messages to colleagues or friends.
Young people often say 'Otsu' (おつ) or 'Otsukare-sama-su'.
Related Phrases
{御苦労様|ごくろうさま}
similarThank you for your hard work (top-down).
{有難|ありがと}うございます
similarThank you.
お{先|さき}に{失礼|しつれい}します
builds onExcuse me for leaving before you.
{乾杯|かんぱい}
specialized formCheers!
{労|ねぎら}う
specialized formTo appreciate someone's efforts.
