What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to a respectful acknowledgment of someone's fatigue or exhaustion from work, such as "You are tired (polite/respectful)".
Which one should you use?
The phrase お疲れ様でした uses the past tense deshita, which is used specifically when the work day is finished or a specific task has been completed. In contrast, Osaki ni shitsureishimasu means "Excuse me for leaving before you."
How does it change in a sentence?
The level of formality changes based on the ending: dropping deshita to use お疲れ様 makes it informal, while using desu instead of deshita to form お疲れ様です is a common polite way to say the phrase during the workday.
How do you pronounce it?
otsukaresama deshita
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ご苦労様でした to thank a boss or superior. This phrase is only used by a superior to a subordinate.
When do people say it?
When someone says お疲れ様でした to you as you are leaving, the standard response is to say the same phrase back to them.
Did you know?
- The word お疲れ様 can be used as a toast when drinking with colleagues after work, serving as a collective acknowledgment of the day's stress before the first sip.
- While お疲れ様でした is used for colleagues, it is rarely used with family members at home, as the phrase specifically frames the relationship within a professional or shared-effort context.
- While the phrase acknowledges fatigue, it is not an expression of pity. Instead, it serves as a socially required way to validate the effort and energy your colleagues have expended during the day.
Examples in context
- お疲れ様でした。Otsukaresama deshita.Good job today.
- 今日も一日、お疲れ様でした。Kyou mo ichinichi, otsukaresama deshita.Good job today as well.
- 先輩、お疲れ様でした！Senpai, otsukaresama deshita!Good job today, senior!
Example conversation
Two colleagues are leaving the office in the evening.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さん、お疲れ様でした。Hinata-san, otsukaresama deshita.Good job today, Hinata.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵さんも、お疲れ様でした。Himari-san mo, otsukaresama deshita.Good job today as well, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariまた明日。Mata ashita.See you tomorrow.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、また明日。Hai, mata ashita.Yes, see you tomorrow.
