お疲れさま Good work

こんにちは！👋 Some words in Japanese pop up all the time, whether you’re chatting with friends or in a business situation. One of them is お疲れ様 (おつかれさま) a phrase that’s versatile, polite, and essential for any situation! Mastering these can bring you one step closer to sounding like a native speaker! Let’s gooo!

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お疲(つか)れ様(さま)

It literally translates to "you must be tired" and it’s common to express appreciation and recognition for someone’s effort, hard work, or dedication mainly in the work environment.

On the other hand, the phrase isn't just for work, it's widely used in social situations too. People use it to encourage others who are working hard at something, and lately, it's even become a casual way for friends to say hello to each other.

1. Appreciation

Used to express empathy and consideration for others' efforts or show awareness of others' contributions.

Example Sentence

A:今回(こんかい)のプロジェクト、お疲(つか)れ様(さま)でした！

Great work on the project!

B: いえいえ、こちらこそお世話(せわ)になりました！

Not at all, I should be the one thanking you!

Example Sentence

A: お疲(つか)れ！今回(こんかい)のパフォーマンスめっちゃ良(よ)かったよ！

Great work! Your performance this time was amazing!

B: ありがとう！おかげで頑張(がんば)れたよ！

Thanks! I was able to do my best because of your support!

2. Greeting(Work/Office Context)

Used when you meet someone during/after work. It’s especially used in situations when closing a meeting or finishing work.

Example Sentence

A: 今日(きょう)の仕事(しごと)終(お)わり！お先(さき)に失礼(しつれい)します〜お疲(つか)れさまでした！

I'm done for the day - heading out! Have a good one!

B: お疲(つか)れさまです！

You too, see you tomorrow!

3. Greeting(Alternative)

お疲れさま is often used as a different way to say hello(こんにちは/こんばんは), even if it’s not related to work.

💡Shorten forms: お疲(つか)れ or おつ/おっつー are also used in the casual conversation(between friends)

A: お疲(つか)れ〜明日(あした)何時(なんじ)に行(い)くー？

Hey~ when you heading out tomorrow?

B: おっつー11時(じ)ぐらいかなーって考(かんが)えてた！

Heyyy, Was thinking 11ish!

今週も読んでくれてありがとう！また来週✌️! Thanks for reading this newsletter! See you next week ✌️!

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