How to Say ‘Thanks for your hard work.’ in Japanese
お疲れさまでした。
o tsukare sama deshi ta
[oh tsoo-KAH-reh sah-MAH DEH-shee tah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Coworkers say this to each other at the end of a workday, and it's often the toast itself at after-work drinks. It has no real English equivalent, more like "good work today".
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
お adds politeness to certain words and expressions.
チケットを二枚お願いします。
Two tickets, please.
疲れ
tsukare
[tsoo-KAH-reh]
tiredness; fatigue
Noun from 疲れる 'to get tired'; used in the set phrase thanking someone for their effort.
疲れが取れました。
My fatigue is gone.
さま
sama
[sah-MAH]
honorific suffix (in otsukaresama)
Polite suffix that softens set phrases like otsukaresama, used to acknowledge someone's effort.
お疲れさまです、田中さん。
Thanks for your hard work, Mr. Tanaka.
でし
deshi
[DEH-shee]
was (polite copula stem)
Stem of the polite copula です in its past form, combined with た to make でした.
昨日は雨でした。
It was rainy yesterday.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager