How to Say ‘You're welcome.’ in Japanese
こちらこそ
kochira koso
[koh-chee-rah koh-soh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [こちらこそ] is often used when someone thanks you, especially when you want to return the goodwill rather than just accept the thanks. It feels warmer and more mutual than a simple [どういたしまして].
Phrase Breakdown
こちら
kochira
[koh-chee-rah]
for my part; likewise (first part)
The first part of a polite phrase meaning likewise or no, thank you.
こちらこそのこちらは自分の側を表します。
The こちら in こちらこそ refers to one's own side.
こそ
koso
[koh-soh]
indeed; especially
Adds emphasis, as in こちらこそ meaning likewise or the pleasure is mine.
こちらこそのこそは強調の言葉です。
The こそ in こちらこそ is an emphatic word.
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