What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "it is this side (that is the case)," where kochira refers to the speaker's side or direction.
Which one should you use?
While yoroshiku onegaishimasu is a standard greeting used to establish a new relationship, こちらこそ is the specific response used to return that sentiment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
こちらこそ is a polite phrase suitable for most social and business situations when responding to a greeting. For a different way to say "You're welcome" or "The pleasure is mine" in formal situations, you might see どういたしまして, whereas the casual response うん、どういたしまして mirrors that formal version in an informal way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle koso is an emphasizing particle that singles out "this side" as the one that truly holds the sentiment.
How do you pronounce it?
kochirakoso
Did you know?
- The word こちら comes from a system of directional words that avoid using 'I' or 'me'. Instead of referring to themselves as a person, the speaker refers to the physical space or 'direction' they occupy.
- In very casual settings among close friends, こちらこそ is often shortened to こっちこそ. The shift from kochira to kocchi marks a transition from polite distance to intimacy.
- The particle こそ acts as a linguistic spotlight. It tells the listener that while the sentiment is mutual, the speaker believes they are actually the one who should be more grateful.
Examples in context
- こちらこそ。The pleasure is mine.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase こちらこそ.Tatoeba #10573391 by small_snow, translation #240653 by Eldad
- こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.The pleasure is mine, I look forward to working with you.
- こちらこそ、お会いできて嬉しいです。kochira koso, oaidekite ureshii desu.The pleasure is mine, I am happy to meet you.
Example conversation
Two professionals meet for the first time at a networking event.
- 陽葵 Himariお会いできて光栄です。oaidekite kouei desu.It is an honor to meet you.
- 大翔 Hirotoこちらこそ、光栄です。kochira koso, kouei desu.The pleasure is mine, it is an honor.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんとお話しできて良かったです。Hiroto-san to ohanashidekite yokatta desu.I am glad I could speak with you, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto私もです。ありがとうございます。watashi mo desu. arigatou gozaimasu.As am I. Thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
