Otsukaresama Desu (お疲れ様です): What It Really Means in Japanese Work Culture
Otsukaresama desu (お疲れ様です) is one of the most common phrases in Japanese work culture.
It doesn’t directly translate to English, but it’s used to show appreciation, acknowledge effort,
and maintain harmony in daily interactions. Here's what it really means.
It’s one of the first phrases you learn when you work in Japan.
“Otsukaresama desu.” (お疲れ様です)
You say it when you see a coworker.
When someone finishes a task.
When you're leaving the office.
Sometimes even when you're arriving.
And at first, I couldn’t figure it out.
What does it actually mean?
The literal parts are:
- “tsukare” (疲れ) = fatigue
- “sama” (様) = honorific
- “desu” (です) = polite ending
So… “You’re tired, honorable person”?
Not quite.
It’s more like:
- “Thanks for your hard work”
- “You’ve been working hard”
- “I see your effort, and I appreciate it”
Why it felt strange at first
In English, we don’t really say anything when someone just… shows up.
Or leaves the office. Or walks past us at work.
So at first, it felt forced.
Too formal. Too frequent.
But over time, it started to feel like a glue.
A little nod to say, “We’re all doing our best.”
How I use it now
Now I say otsukaresama desu without thinking.
Not because I have to — but because it’s useful.
It marks the rhythm of work.
It gives people a moment of recognition.
And it softens the space between tasks, between people, between days.
Not sure where to start?
- YOASOBI’s Idol — Lyrics, double meanings, and storytelling.
- Hotspot — A sci-fi drama with very human conversations.
- Hai doesn’t always mean “yes” — One word, many meanings.
← Back to Japanese Expressions