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お疲れ様
otsukaresama
thanks for your hard work
A: 今日も残業か... B: お疲れ様です。
A: Another late night at work... B: Thanks for your hard work.
formal
A polite expression used to acknowledge someone's effort or work, often said when greeting, thanking, or parting from colleagues, family, or friends.
先輩: お疲れ様です。今日も頑張ってください。
Senior: Thanks for your hard work. Keep up the good work today.
同僚: お疲れ様です。先ほどの資料、助かりました。
Colleague: Thanks for your hard work. The document you shared earlier was really helpful.
Used in workplaces, schools, and among close acquaintances. More formal than 'お疲れ' alone.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 'お疲れ様' vs 'ご苦労様'
'お疲れ様' is generally safe to use in most situations, including with peers and subordinates. 'ご苦労様' is more formal and is typically used by someone in a superior position (e.g., boss to employee). Using 'ご苦労様' with a superior can sound presumptuous.
Gold Rule
Tone and hierarchy
In hierarchical settings (e.g., workplace), use 'お疲れ様' with peers and subordinates, and 'ご苦労様' with superiors. In casual or friendly contexts, 'お疲れ' is acceptable.
Word Origin
From 'お' (honorific prefix) + '疲れ' (tsukare, 'fatigue') + '様' (sama, honorific suffix). Literally means 'your fatigue,' but functions as a respectful acknowledgment of effort.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in professional settings, but also among friends or family members after a long day. Avoid using with strangers unless they are in a superior position (e.g., boss to employee). In casual contexts, 'お疲れ' is more appropriate.
Word Breakdown
お
honorific prefix
prefix疲れ
fatigue
root様
honorific suffix
suffix和英辞典