こちらこそ、おはようございます
kochira koso, ohayō gozaimasu
The English phrase "good morning to you too" is translated into Japanese as こちらこそ、おはようございます (kochira koso, ohayō gozaimasu).
This phrase is a polite response used to return a morning greeting to someone who has already greeted you. By using the opening words, you emphasize that the sentiment expressed by the other person applies to you as well.
What does it mean word for word?
The part こちらこそ literally means "it is I who (should say so/feel that way)", serving to emphasize that the speaker feels the same way or is the one who should be offering the greeting.
Which one should you use?
Using こちらこそ at the beginning of the greeting specifically functions to return the greeting, which provides the "to you too" nuance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The full phrase こちらこそ、おはようございます is polite. You can make the response informal for use with friends or subordinates by dropping "gozaimasu" to say こちらこそ、おはよう.
How do you pronounce it?
kochira koso, ohayō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- In certain industries like entertainment or construction, the phrase おはようございます is used even if it is late at night to signal the start of a shift.
- Depending on the region, some speakers may use こちらこそ in response to a 'thank you' or 'nice to meet you' as well, making it a versatile tool for returning any polite sentiment.
- The particle こそ is an intensifying particle that singles out the preceding word, making こちらこそ function more like 'it is specifically I' than a simple 'me too'.
Examples in context
- こちらこそ、おはようございます。kochira koso, ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning to you too.
- あ、こちらこそ、おはようございます！a, kochira koso, ohayou gozaimasu!Oh, good morning to you too!
- こちらこそ、おはようございます。いい天気ですね。kochira koso, ohayou gozaimasu. ii tenki desu ne.Good morning to you too. It's nice weather, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two colleagues meet at the office entrance.
- 大翔 Hirotoおはようございます、結衣さん。Ohayou gozaimasu, Yui-san.Good morning, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiこちらこそ、おはようございます、大翔さん。Kochira koso, ohayou gozaimasu, Hiroto-san.Good morning to you too, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日はいい天気ですね。Kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.The weather is nice today, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiそうですね。気持ちいいです。Sou desu ne. Kimochi ii desu.It is. It feels great.
