This is one of the most versatile yet mysterious words you will find in Japan, and a word that is used every day. However, what does “Otsukaresama desu” actually mean and how can I use it correctly?
I would like to try to explain the use of this phrase, shed some light on how it is used and what the different meanings are.
In the workplace: Otsukaresama desu is most often used in workplaces and loosely translated is a simple greeting meaning you acknowledge a coworker or person who is in the same work environment. A more direct translation could mean “you must be tired”, however this is only used when the person you’re saying it to has obviously gotten tired of doing some work that has directly helped you. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to say thank you, or in Japanese “arigatou gozaimasu.” Strictly speaking, Otsukaresama desu is used to show appreciation for hard work, but in reality the usage is very broad. It is most commonly used and easy to understand when coworkers use the phrase at the end of the workday. It somehow kills the camaraderie between people and the spirit of teamwork between people.
In many casual settings it’s like saying “hello” or “how are you?” or “how are you doing?” or whatever you use as a greeting when you pass someone in the hallway. Oddly enough, people don’t use the phrase “ogenki desu ka” which means “how are you?” almost as much as us. It’s used more to really ask about someone’s health and well-being than a generic greeting. However, the phrase can be found in a myriad of different situations where there seems to be little or no implied recognition or appreciation of the work done. It’s just a simple way to start or end a conversation between people who work.
Outside the workplace. In fact, you could use it outside of the workplace with people you’re familiar with, who you know are coworkers, as a general greeting when beginning or ending interactions. On these occasions it does not have the same connotations as the above explanation and does not necessarily mean that you are trying to show some appreciation for your work. I guess it’s like English speakers when we ask “How are you?” but the answer matters little, since it is simply a way of greeting someone or starting a conversation. Shorter versions of the phrase include “otsukare” among others. The Japanese seem to love abbreviations for various words and this one is no exception.
Japanese doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think. The Japanese can be very lenient with foreigners, and you don’t need to understand all the subtleties. Sometimes, in fact, ignorance is bliss. There are also many ways to learn Japanese online!