Otsukaresama: The Magical Expression for Every Occasion

If you’ve ever interacted with Japanese culture, you’ve likely heard the phrase otsukaresama お疲れ様 used frequently. This common expression comes from the verb tsukareru 疲れる, meaning “to be tired.” At first glance, it might seem odd to use a phrase that translates to “to be tired” in various social and professional settings. However, in Japan, this word carries a much deeper meaning.

The Cultural Significance of Otsukaresama

Japanese culture emphasizes appreciation and politeness. Similar to how Japanese people say itadakimasu before a meal and gochisosama after eating, or in the original meaning of arigato, otsukaresama is a way to acknowledge and appreciate someone’s efforts. Essentially, when you say otsukaresama desu お疲れ様です or otsukaresama deshita お疲れ様でした, you are recognizing the other person’s hard work and expressing gratitude for their dedication.

This Japanese word is incredibly versatile and is used in various scenarios throughout the day. You might hear it at the office, between friends, or even after completing a task alone. Understanding when and how to use this phrase properly can help you sound more natural in Japanese conversations.

How to Use Otsukaresama in Your Everyday Life

In such contexts, otsukaresama would make much more sense as a hello, goodbye, and thank you, especially at workplaces, where it is most commonly used.

As a Greeting 

In Japan, colleagues often greet each other with otsukaresama desu upon arriving at work, passing in the hallway, or answering the phone. This turns a simple “hello” into a meaningful acknowledgment of each other’s effort and dedication.

In the Workplace

In professional settings, it is a go-to phrase for showing appreciation. It can be used:

• Before and after meetings.
• After completing a project.
• When discussing a difficult task with a coworker.
• As a way to recognize someone’s efforts during the day.

Using otsukaresama creates a positive and supportive work environment, reinforcing teamwork and mutual respect.

At the End of the Workday

When leaving work, Japanese employees often say otsukaresama deshita to their colleagues. However, there’s an important nuance to consider:

• If you are leaving before others, it’s more polite to say osaki ni shitsurei shimasu お先に失礼します (Excuse me for leaving before you).
• The colleagues staying behind will typically reply with otsukaresama deshita, recognizing your hard work for the day.

Additionally, this phrase is commonly used when colleagues gather for drinks after work, similar to saying “cheers!”

Variations and Related Expressions

Learn some alternatives to otsukaresama and other related expressions that can be useful in Japan:

Gokurosama

A similar phrase, gokurosama desu ご苦労様です, is also used to express appreciation for someone’s work. However, there’s a key difference:

• Gokurosama is typically used by superiors when addressing subordinates.
• Employees should always use otsukaresama when speaking to their peers or seniors, as gokurosama might come off as condescending if used improperly.

Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu

As mentioned earlier, this phrase is used when leaving work before your colleagues. It acknowledges that others are still working while politely excusing yourself.

Ganbatte kudasai

While otsukaresama is used after an effort has been made, ganbatte kudasai 頑張ってください (“Do your best!”) is said beforehand to encourage someone.

The Importance of this word in Japanese Society

The widespread use of otsukaresama reflects Japan’s deeply ingrained work ethic and appreciation culture. Used in many situations, such as in corporate environments, schools, or casual interactions, the phrase reinforces a sense of unity and mutual respect.

Understanding and using this word correctly will help to improve your Japanese language skills and also help you integrate smoothly into Japanese social and professional settings.

Next time you interact with Japanese friends or coworkers, or even during a trip to Japan, try using otsukaresama. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show appreciation and connect with others.

Thank you for reading until the end, otsukaresama deshita!

_{Cover photo: Alesia Kazantceva}