こちらこそ
kochirakoso
The English phrase "likewise" can be translated into Japanese as こちらこそ (kochirakoso).
こちらこそ is used to mean "likewise" or "the pleasure is mine." It is most commonly used as a response to a greeting or a compliment to indicate that the feeling is mutual.
Meaning: in like manner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kochira (this side/this way) and the particle koso which adds emphasis to the subject, literally meaning "it is I/this side (emphasis)."
Which one should you use?
While onaji desu (it is the same) can mean "likewise" in a general sense, こちらこそ is the specific idiomatic way to return a polite greeting or sentiment. Another formal way to say "likewise" is 同様です.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
こちらこそ is a polite phrase suitable for use in both business and social settings when responding to someone you have just met or are interacting with formally.
How do you pronounce it?
kochirakoso
Did you know?
- If you are responding to a thank you, saying こちらこそ suggests that you were actually the one who benefited more from the interaction.
- Depending on the tone and context, こちらこそ can be used in a playful or teasing way among close friends to jokingly claim that they are the ones who actually deserve the credit.
- A common non-verbal accompaniment to こちらこそ is a slight bow, which reinforces the humility of returning a polite sentiment.
Examples in context
- こちらこそ、私もお会いできてよかったです。Likewise, it was nice to meet you.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of こちらこそ.Tatoeba #5082156 by Andy_Andy, translation #1119452 by daywo
- こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Likewise, I look forward to working with you.
- こちらこそ、ありがとう。kochira koso, arigatou.No, thank you (likewise).
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are greeting each other at a party.
- 陽太 Yotaお会いできて嬉しいです。O-ai dekite ureshii desu.I am happy to meet you.
- 美咲 Misakiこちらこそ、嬉しいです。Kochirakoso, ureshii desu.Likewise, I am happy too.
- 陽太 Yotaいい天気ですね。Ii tenki desu ne.The weather is nice, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiそうですね。Sou desu ne.It really is.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
