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お疲れ様でしたが

otsukaresama deshita
expression★Intermediate— thank you for your hard work
formal

A polite expression used to thank someone for their hard work or efforts, often in past tense contexts.

会議が終わった後、上司にお疲れ様でしたと言われました。

After the meeting ended, my boss said 'otsukaresama deshita' to me.

長時間の残業、お疲れ様でした。

Thank you for working such long overtime hours.

💡

The past tense 'でしたが' softens the expression, making it more polite and indirect. It is commonly used in workplaces or formal settings.

Collocations

お疲れ様ですthank you for your hard work (present tense)お疲れ様でしたthank you for your hard work (past tense)

Synonyms

ご苦労様でしたお疲れ様です

Related Phrases

ご苦労様でしたphrase
a more formal or senior-to-junior expression of thanks for hard work
お先に失礼しますphrase
I will be leaving first (said when leaving work earlier than others)

💡Pro Tip

When to use 'お疲れ様でしたが'

Use this phrase when thanking someone for their past efforts, especially in work settings. It is polite and acknowledges their hard work. Avoid using it in casual or non-work contexts.

⚡Gold Rule

Politeness and tense

The past tense 'でしたが' makes the expression more polite and indirect. It is suitable for formal or work-related contexts.

📖Word Origin

Derived from 'お疲れ様' (otsukaresama), a contraction of 'お疲れ様な方' (otsukaresama na kata, 'the person who is tired'), combined with the polite past tense 'でしたが'. The phrase originated in workplaces to acknowledge someone's efforts.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is used in formal or work settings to express gratitude for someone's efforts. The past tense 'でしたが' is often used when referring to a completed task or past effort. In casual settings, 'お疲れ' or 'お疲れ様' is more common.

Word Breakdown

お
honorific prefix
prefix
+
疲れ
tiredness
root
+
様
honorific suffix (like 'Mr.' or 'Ms.')
suffix
+
でしたが
past tense polite copula
suffix
和英辞典

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