The phrase otsukaresama is both useful and confusing. Many learners assume it is always safe to use, but in fact, if used carelessly, it may sound strange or even impolite. In this article, we will look at common usages, compare it with a similar phrase ご苦労様 (gokurōsama), and explore alternative expressions you can use in different situations. By the end, you will better understand why otsukaresama is such a key phrase in Japanese communication.
Usage of “Otsukaresama”
1. Different ways of writing
There are several written forms:
お疲れ様
お疲れさま
おつかれさま
The kanji 様 originally functions as an honorific title, as in 田中様 (Tanaka-sama). In the case of おつかれさま, however, the さま does not directly indicate an honorific title but rather acts like a suffix meaning “state” or “condition.” Because of this, some specialists argue that お疲れ様 is technically not the most accurate form.
Nowadays, many people prefer お疲れさま or the hiragana version おつかれさま, especially in emails or chat messages. Some even avoid using the kanji 疲 to prevent emphasizing the image of “being tired” for the other person.
2. When it is used
You can use otsukaresama desu in many workplace and school contexts, especially after some effort has been made.
Examples:
お疲れ様です。
Otsukaresama desu.
(Thank you for your hard work.)
This can be said after meetings, when someone finishes a task, when colleagues leave the office, or when they return from an errand. It is also commonly used as a greeting when passing by coworkers, or at the beginning of emails:
Examples:
お疲れ様です。営業部の田中です。
Otsukaresama desu. Eigyōbu no Tanaka desu.
(Good day. This is Tanaka from the sales department.)
3. Important notes
– It is mainly used inside a company or group. Using it with people outside the company (such as clients) is considered inappropriate.
– It can be used to superiors, such as bosses, but for extra politeness, you may say お疲れ様でございます (Otsukaresama de gozaimasu).
– Using it in the morning before any work has started can sound odd. In that case, おはようございます (Ohayō gozaimasu / Good morning) is more natural.
– Students should not use it toward teachers. Teachers are not “colleagues,” so お疲れ様 sounds strange in that relationship. However, part-time workers can use it toward their managers or coworkers.
The Difference from “Gokurōsama”
Another phrase with a similar meaning is ご苦労様 (gokurōsama). Both are used to acknowledge effort, but the key difference lies in who says it to whom.
ご苦労様 is traditionally used by a superior toward someone of lower status, such as a boss to a subordinate. On the other hand, お疲れ様 can be used in both directions, from subordinates to bosses or between colleagues.
Examples:
部長、本日もお疲れ様です。
Buchō, honjitsu mo otsukaresama desu.
(Manager, thank you for your work today.)
（上司が部下に対して）今日もご苦労様。
Kyō mo gokurōsama.
(A boss to a subordinate: Good job today.)
Because ご苦労様 can sound condescending, it has become less common in modern workplaces. To avoid misunderstandings, many companies now recommend that even managers say お疲れ様です instead.
Alternative Expressions
Learners often wonder, “If I cannot use お疲れ様 with teachers or clients, what should I say?” Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives depending on the situation.
・ありがとうございました (Arigatō gozaimashita / Thank you very much)
Used after meetings, lessons, or any favor received.
Examples:
本日はありがとうございました。
Honjitsu wa arigatō gozaimashita.
(Thank you very much for today.)
・お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu / Excuse me for leaving before you)
Said when you leave work or a meeting before others.
Examples:
本日の業務を終えましたので、お先に失礼します。
Honjitsu no gyōmu o oemashita node, osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.
(I have finished today’s work, so I will excuse myself first.)
・よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu / I look forward to your cooperation)
Said before starting work or lessons, instead of お疲れ様です.
Examples:
本日もよろしくお願いします。
Honjitsu mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
(I look forward to working with you today.)
・お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu / Thank you for your continued support)
Commonly used in business emails to clients or partners.
Examples:
いつもお世話になっております。株式会社△△の田中です。
Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu. Kabushikigaisha △△ no Tanaka desu.
(Thank you for your continued support. This is Tanaka from △△ Corporation.)
・Other ways to show appreciation
Instead of 労い (expressing fatigue), you can express direct thanks.
とても助かりました。ありがとうございます。
Totemo tasukarimashita. Arigatō gozaimasu.
(That was very helpful. Thank you very much.)
ご指導ありがとうございました。
Goshidō arigatō gozaimashita.
(Thank you for your guidance.)
大変勉強になりました。
Taihen benkyō ni narimashita.
(I learned a lot.)
Cultural Background
What makes otsukaresama difficult for English speakers is that Japanese greetings are not only tied to time but also to relationships and situations.
In English, you can simply say “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening.” In Japanese, however, the correct greeting depends on whether work has started or ended, whether the person is inside or outside your group, and what kind of relationship you share.
This reflects the Japanese cultural distinction between uchi (inside) and soto (outside). Otsukaresama is a phrase reserved for people considered part of your “inside” group, such as coworkers or close associates. Using it for outsiders can feel overly casual or disrespectful.
Final Thoughts
Otsukaresama is a phrase that learners of Japanese cannot avoid. It is convenient, but that very convenience can cause misuse if you do not understand the cultural background.
・Use お疲れ様です inside the company, even to superiors.
・Use ありがとうございました or お世話になっております with clients or outsiders.
・Say おはようございます or よろしくお願いします at the beginning of the day.
・Say お先に失礼します when you leave before others.
By mastering these distinctions, you will not only speak natural Japanese but also show genuine respect in your communication. Otsukaresama is more than just words. It reflects the values of effort, community, and mutual respect in Japanese society.