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お疲れ様です

otsukaresama desu
expression★Intermediate— you must be tired
formal

A polite expression used to acknowledge someone's hard work or efforts, often said at the end of a workday or when seeing someone after they've been working.

A: お疲れ様です。B: お疲れ様です。

A: You must be tired. B: You too.

お疲れ様です。お先に失礼します。

You must be tired. I’ll be leaving now.

💡

Used in professional settings, often between colleagues. Can also be shortened to 'お疲れ' in casual contexts.

Collocations

お疲れ様ですyou must be tired / thanks for your hard workお疲れ様でしたthanks for your hard work (past tense)お疲れshortened casual form of 'お疲れ様です'

Synonyms

ご苦労様です

Related Phrases

ご苦労様ですphrase
a more formal or hierarchical version, often used by a superior to a subordinate

💡Pro Tip

When to use 'お疲れ様です'

Use this phrase when greeting colleagues at the start of the day, acknowledging their hard work, or when leaving work. It’s a standard part of Japanese workplace etiquette.

⚡Gold Rule

Hierarchy matters

If you’re in a junior position, wait for your superior to say it first. Using it unprompted with superiors can sound presumptuous.

📖Word Origin

Combines 'お' (honorific prefix) + '疲れ' (tsukare, meaning 'fatigue' or 'tiredness') + '様' (polite suffix) + 'です' (polite copula). Literally means 'you must be tired,' but functions as a standard workplace greeting.

📝Usage Notes

Primarily used in professional environments. Avoid using with superiors unless they use it first, as it can sound overly familiar. In some contexts, it may also express gratitude for someone's efforts.

Word Breakdown

お
honorific prefix
prefix
+
疲れ
fatigue/tiredness
root
+
様
polite suffix (like 'Mr./Ms.')
suffix
+
です
polite copula
suffix
和英辞典

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