Free Japanese Quiz for Beginners
This part focuses on “The Social Glue of Japanese Communication”.
おせわになりました
nagai aida osewa-ni-nari-mashita.
( Thank you for all that you’ve done for me over the years. )
iro-iro-to osewa-ni-nari-mashita.
( Thank you for all your help. )
This phrase is used to express gratitude for all the support you have received. It is common to say it when you are leaving a place, such as when resigning from a company, graduating from school, or moving to a new home. It translates to something like, “Thank you for your kindness”.
おつかれさまです
When leaving the office for the day…
kyō [wa] mō kaeri-masu. otsukare-sama-deshita.
( I’m finishing my work now. See you tomorrow. )
When passing a colleague in the office…
otsukare-sama-desu. ranchi [ni] itte-ki-masu.
( Hi there. I’m going out to have some lunch. )
“Otsukare-sama” is a phrase used to acknowledge and appreciate someone’s hard work. In business, it expresses gratitude to those currently working or finishing a task. It also serves as a standard greeting to start a conversation or a casual “hello” when passing colleagues in the office.
This expression is primarily for internal use within the company, so, using it with external clients is considered impolite.
しつれいします
shitsure-shi-masu. haitte-mo-yoroshī-deshōka?
( Excuse me. May I come in?
shitsurei-shi-masu. ima o-jikan ari-masuka?
( Excuse me, do you have a minute? )
“Shitsurei-shi-masu” is a phrase used to ask for permission or to notify someone when entering a room, or when initiating a conversation. When used for entering, it means like “Excuse me for the intrusion” or “Sorry for disturbing you”. When starting a conversation, it can be translated as “Excuse me.” Using this phrase shows respect to the other person and gives a very polite and professional impression.