What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "you are a state of fatigue" or "it is a state of tiredness," which serves to acknowledge the exhaustion that results from hard work.
Which one should you use?
While ご苦労様 also translates to "you worked hard," it is strictly reserved for a superior addressing a subordinate. You should avoid using ご苦労様 toward a boss, as it is considered rude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase has several levels of formality. The polite form お疲れ様です is the standard way to speak to colleagues or superiors. The casual version, お疲れ, is created by dropping the sama and the polite ending. This is used between close friends or when a superior speaks to a subordinate.
How do you pronounce it?
otsukaresama
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use ご苦労様 to a superior, as it is considered rude.
When do people say it?
In a professional setting, when someone says お疲れ様 to you, the standard cultural response is to say it back to them.
Did you know?
- While the phrase acknowledges tiredness, it is common to use it as a toast when drinking beer with colleagues after work.
- The term 疲れ comes from the same root as the word for 'worn out' or 'exhausted', but in this phrase, the 'fatigue' is viewed as a badge of honor and social contribution.
- Even if you have done absolutely nothing all day, you can still say お疲れ様です to your colleagues as a polite way to acknowledge their presence and shared work environment.
Examples in context
- お疲れ様でした。Otsukaresama deshita.Good job today.
- お疲れ様！Otsukaresama!Good work!
- 今日も一日、お疲れ様。Kyou mo ichinichi, otsukaresama.Good job with your work today.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are leaving the office at the end of the day.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さん、お疲れ様でした。Misaki-san, otsukaresama deshita.Misaki, good job today.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんも、お疲れ様でした。Ren-san mo, otsukaresama deshita.Good job to you too, Ren.
- 蓮 Renまた明日。Mata ashita.See you tomorrow.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、また明日。Hai, mata ashita.Yes, see you tomorrow.
