5 things to say at work every day
By the end you'll first taste of polite workplace response.
Part of the guide: Workplace Japanese: Your First Week at a Japanese Office →
- 1
おれさまです otsukaresama desu
The essential workplace greeting. Literally means 'you must be tired' but functions as 'hello,' 'goodbye,' 'thanks for your work,' and general acknowledgment between colleagues. Used constantly in Japanese offices.
Use when greeting a coworker, leaving the office, acknowledging someone's work, ending a meeting
おれさまです。 otsukaresama desu.
Good work today. / Hi (at work).
- 2
よろしくおいします yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Means roughly 'please treat me well' or 'I look forward to working with you.' Used when meeting someone new, starting a project, or asking for cooperation.
Use when self-introduction, meeting a new colleague, starting a collaboration, after receiving a task
よろしくおいします。 yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Nice to meet you / Please take care of it.
- 3
かしこまりました kashikomarimashita
A very polite 'understood', more formal than わかりました. Used in workplace settings to show respect when receiving instructions from a superior or client.
Use when receiving instructions from a boss, confirming a client request, formal acknowledgment
かしこまりました。 kashikomarimashita.
Understood (very polite).
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