An all-purpose word of thanks and respect
Each time I walk into the locker room at the indoor swimming pool, every woman I pass greets me with, not Konnichiwa, Hello, as one might think, but with Otsukaresama desu.
I reply in turn, Otsukaresama desu.
When seeing a woman cleaning a public place, I smile and say, Otsukaresama desu.
While out for a walk, if I pass by other walkers or joggers, we exchange the greeting, Otsukaresama desu.
When I leave my job at the end of the day, I say to the woman at the reception desk, Otsukaresama deshita, this time using the past tense form.
What does this mouthful of a word mean?
The meaning of Otsukaresama desu (pronounced oh-tsu-ka-le-sämä des)
The literal meaning of the word is “tired way,” with the implication, “You look really tired from all your hard work. Thank you for giving it your all.” It acknowledges that the other’s efforts contribute to the betterment of society, even if only by making a better atmosphere through doing one’s best.
Some people have likened it to saying, “Good job!” or “Good on ya!” or “You rock!”
To me, otsukaresama desu conveys, “I respect you, and I think what you are doing is worthwhile.”
The beauty of otsukaresama desu is that it can be used in so many ways to acknowledge another’s efforts and communicate to them respect and appreciation.
Just now, a delivery man came to the door with a package. You’ll never guess what I said to him as he left.
Otsukaresama desu.
Read this post to learn how to say “Hello” in Japanese.
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