How to Say ‘Likewise’ in Japanese
こちらこそ
kochira koso
[koh-chee-rah koh-soh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying this before thanking someone back is a gracious touch, roughly "no, I'm the one who should thank you". Recruiters often say it to students, and you can say it too.
Phrase Breakdown
こちら
kochira
[koh-chee-rah]
this; this one; here
A polite demonstrative used when presenting something nearby.
在留カードはこちらです。
Here is the residence card.
こそ
koso
[koh-soh]
(it is) you who; precisely (emphasis)
Adds emphasis meaning “rather, me/us.” Makes the reply modest and polite.
お気遣いありがとうございます。こちらこそ。
Thank you for your consideration. Likewise.
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