定年退職おめでとうございます
teinen taishoku omedetō gozaimasu
The English phrase "happy retirement" is translated into Japanese as 定年退職おめでとうございます (teinen taishoku omedetō gozaimasu).
This phrase is used to congratulate someone who is retiring from their career.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make it informal by dropping ございます to create 定年退職おめでとう, which is suitable only for close friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
teinen taishoku omedetō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- When giving a gift alongside this phrase, avoid giving things in sets of four or nine, as these numbers are associated with death and suffering.
- In Japanese business culture, retiring often involves a formal ceremony called 退職式 (taishoku-shiki). Instead of just a phrase, people often present a gift like a calligraphy piece or a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
- The word 定年 (teinen) literally means 'fixed year', referring to the legally or socially established age of retirement. It highlights how retirement is viewed as a predetermined milestone rather than a personal choice.
Examples in context
- 定年退職おめでとうございます。Teinen taishoku omedetou gozaimasu.Happy retirement.
- 部長、定年退職おめでとうございます！Buchou, teinen taishoku omedetou gozaimasu!Congratulations on your retirement, Director!
Example conversation
Himari visits Kenta at his office on his last day.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、定年退職おめでとうございます。Kenta-san, teinen taishoku omedetou gozaimasu.Kenta, happy retirement.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さん、ありがとうございます。Himari-san, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariこれからは、ゆっくり休んでくださいね。Kore kara wa, yukkuri yasunde kudasai ne.Please take it easy from now on.
- 健太 Kentaはい、そうします。Hai, sou shimasu.Yes, I will.
