In Japanese, the expression “お疲れ様です” (おつかれさまです) is widely used in both professional and personal contexts to acknowledge someone’s hard work, effort, or simply to greet them. The phrase can be adapted into the past tense as “お疲れ様でした” (おつかれさまでした), which is used to show appreciation for work or tasks that have been completed. Understanding the meaning, usage, and variations of this phrase is key to mastering Japanese social interactions.
Breakdown of the Expression
お
A polite prefix used before nouns to show respect or politeness.
疲れ (つかれ)
This noun means “tiredness” or “fatigue,” referring to both physical and mental exhaustion.
様 (さま)
A very polite and formal way to address someone, often used in business settings or when speaking to someone of higher status.
Meaning and Usage
1. Acknowledging Tiredness After Work or Tasks
“お疲れ様です” (おつかれさまです) is often used to acknowledge someone’s hard work or effort, whether they have just completed a task, finished work for the day, or gone through an event or challenge. It’s also commonly used before leaving the office.
Example 1: At the Office
- Aさん: プレゼンの準備が出来ました。 (プレゼンの じゅんびが できました。)
— I’ve finished preparing for the presentation. - Bさん: お疲れ様です。 (おつかれさまです。)
— Got it.
Explanation:
This is a typical exchange in a workplace where one colleague acknowledges another’s effort after completing a task. “お疲れ様です(おつかれさまです)” is a neutral response that acknowledges the work without being overly formal.
Example 2: At the Office
- Aさん: では、お先に失礼します。お疲れ様です。 (では、おさきに しつれいします。おつかれさまです。)
— I’ll be leaving now. Take care. - Bさん: お疲れ様です。 (おつかれさまです。)
— Take care.
Explanation:
This exchange happens when someone is leaving the office, acknowledging the work done throughout the day. “Take care” is a warm, neutral way to acknowledge someone’s departure.
Example 3: Retirement (At the Office)
- Aさん: ３５年間、お疲れ様でした。今まで本当にありがとうございました。 (さんじゅうご ねんかん、おつかれさまでした。いままで ほんとうに ありがとうございました。)
— Thank you for your 35 years of hard work. I’m really grateful for everything until now. - Bさん: こちらこそ、今までありがとう。これからのことはAさんに任せるよ。 (こちらこそ、いままで ありがとう。これからの ことは Aさんに まかせるよ。)
— Thank you as well. I’ll leave things in your hands from now on.
Example 3: Retirement (When returning home) - Wife: ３５年間、お仕事お疲れ様でした。 (さんじゅうご ねんかん、おしごと おつかれさまでした。)
— Thank you for your 35 years of work. - Bさん: うん。いつも支えてくれてありがとう。 (うん。いつも ささえてくれて ありがとう。)
— Yeah, thank you for always supporting me.
Explanation:
This dialogue shows how “お疲れ様でした(おつかれさまでした)” is used in the context of retirement, where the past tense is appropriate for recognizing the long period of work that has been completed.
Example 4: After Childbirth
- Aさん: 出産おめでとう！お疲れ様！しばらくはゆっくり休んでね。 (しゅっさん おめでとう！おつかれさま！しばらくは ゆっくり やすんでね。)
— Congratulations on the birth! You did great! Make sure to rest for a while. - Bさん: ありがとう！
— Thanks!
Explanation:
In this example, “お疲れ様(おつかれさま)” is used to acknowledge the effort and endurance of someone who has just given birth. The phrase here is more personal, expressing care and concern for their well-being.
Example 5: (Exam Setting)
- 試験管(しけんかん): はい、終了です。答案用紙を置いて教室から出てください。お疲れ様でした。 （ はい、しゅうりょう です。とうあんようしを おいて きょうしつ から でてください。おつかれさまでした。)
— Alright, time’s up. Please place your answer sheets on the desk and exit the classroom. Good job.
Explanation:
Here, “お疲れ様でした(おつかれさまでした)” is used by the examiner at the end of a test to acknowledge the students’ efforts during the exam. The phrase is used in the past tense because the task (the exam) is now complete.
2. Greeting in the Workplace
“お疲れ様です” (おつかれさまです) is also used as a greeting at work, often preferred over “こんにちは” (こんにちは). It can be used many times throughout the day when meeting colleagues or even friends after work.
Example 1: In the Hallway
Aさん: お疲れ様です。 (おつかれさまです。)
— Hey.
Bさん: お疲れ様です。 (おつかれさまです。)
— Hey.
Explanation:
This is a typical greeting exchange at work, acknowledging each other’s presence and ongoing effort in a neutral, friendly manner.
Example 2: In the Break Room
Aさん: お疲れ様です。 (おつかれさまです。)
— How’s it going?
B先輩(せんぱい): お疲れ。今日、雨なのにお客さんめっちゃ多いね。 (おつかれ。きょう、あめ なのに おきゃくさん めっちゃ おおい ね。)
— Not bad. So many customers today even though it’s raining.
Explanation:
This exchange shows a senior colleague responding in a more casual tone, acknowledging the situation and continuing the conversation in a friendly manner.
Example 3: At the Izakaya
Aさん: お待たせ。お疲れ。 (おまたせ。おつかれ。)
— Sorry for the wait. How’s it going?
Bさん: おう。お疲れ。残業？ (おう。おつかれ。ざんぎょう？)
— Hey. You alright? Working late?
Aさん: 今日、会社で大きなミスして、仕事の後で部長に怒られてたんだ。 (きょう、かいしゃで おおきな ミスして、しごとの あとで ぶちょうに おこられてたんだ。)
— I made a big mistake at work today and got scolded by the boss afterward.
Bさん: お疲れ。誰でもミスはするさ。飲もうぜ。 (おつかれ。だれでも ミスは するさ。のもう ぜ。)
— That sucks. Everyone makes mistakes. Let’s grab a drink.
Explanation:
- The first “お疲れ(おつかれ)” from Aさん is a casual, friendly greeting, akin to saying “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” in English. It’s a way to acknowledge the other person’s presence and the effort they’ve likely been putting in, without being too formal.
- Bさん’s response with “おう。お疲れ” is a similar casual acknowledgment, showing concern by asking, “You alright?” This makes it a bit more personal than just a generic greeting, followed by a casual inquiry about working late. The final “お疲れ(おつかれ)” from Bさん expresses empathy, acknowledging Aさん’s tough day with a phrase that suggests, “That sucks,” or “You’ve had it rough,” before suggesting they go out for a drink to unwind.
Conclusion
Whether used as a greeting or to show appreciation for someone’s hard work, “お疲れ様です(おつかれさまです)” and its past tense form “お疲れ様でした(おつかれさまでした)” are essential phrases in Japanese culture. They convey respect and recognition for others’ efforts, helping to foster a sense of camaraderie in both professional and personal settings. Understanding these phrases will enhance your ability to navigate Japanese social situations with ease.