ご苦労様

go-kurō-sama
phraseIntermediate
What It Really Means
An expression of gratitude and recognition for someone's hard work or effort.
Literal Meaning
Your hard work (honorific).
Literal Breakdown
honorific prefix+苦労hard work, trouble+honorific suffix
Mental Image
The phrase conveys a sense of respect and appreciation for the effort put into a task or project.
When to Use
A manager says 'ご苦労様でした' to their team at the end of a long workday to thank them for their efforts.
Cultural Note
In Japanese work culture, acknowledging someone's hard work is an important part of maintaining good relationships and showing respect.
formal

A polite expression used to acknowledge someone's hard work or effort, often said to superiors or colleagues in a workplace setting.

今日もご苦労様でした。

Thank you for your hard work today.

このプロジェクト、ご苦労様です。

Thank you for your efforts on this project.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in professional settings to show appreciation for someone's work. It can be used at the end of the day or after completing a task.

Collocations

ご苦労様でしたThank you for your hard workご苦労様ですThank you for your efforts

Synonyms

Related Phrases

お疲れ様phrase
A similar phrase used to acknowledge someone's hard work, often used among colleagues or friends.

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Workplace

This phrase is commonly used in Japanese workplaces to show appreciation for someone's work. It is polite and professional, making it suitable for use with superiors and colleagues.

Gold Rule

Politeness

Always use 'ご苦労様' in formal or professional settings. It is a respectful way to acknowledge someone's hard work.

📖Word Origin

Derived from '苦労' (kurō, meaning 'hard work' or 'trouble') and the honorific suffix '様' (sama).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is typically used in formal or professional contexts. It is often used at the end of the workday or after completing a task to acknowledge someone's efforts. It can be used with superiors, colleagues, or subordinates.

Word Breakdown

honorific prefix
prefix
+
苦労
hard work, trouble
root
+
honorific suffix
suffix
和英辞典